Fibre Optic Broadband

Andrew Dismore: Do you agree with me that with homeworking becoming a reality of modern working life, it is vital all Londoners have access to high-speed broadband? BT Openreach do not currently have plans to ensure rollout to all areas, such as Silverbell Court in N11. Will you ask them to do so?

The Mayor: London’s future digital connectivity will be built on fibre. High-speed connectivity is crucial for businesses of all sizes and sectors, not to mention Londoners accessing digital services at home and around the city.
My Connected London team speak regularly with the large number of operators who provide connectivity across the capital to discuss addressing not spots and maximising their investment in fibre and mobile infrastructure by addressing deployment issues. They will be happy to discuss coverage in Silverbell Court with operators.
I have previously announced that the GLA is coordinating £34.9m of funding from different sources to boost full fibre coverage across London in areas that are not being addressed by commercial deployments. This will enable new connections to public sector sites in areas that suffer from poor connectivity, making these areas more commercially viable for further private investment. As part of GLA’s recovery work, my team is working with London’s boroughs on allocating this funding to priority areas to reduce London’s not spots.

Maida Vale Tube & Development overhead

Murad Qureshi: Is there any proposal to develop residential property above Maida Vale tube station?

The Mayor: Transport for London does not currently have any plans to develop residential property above Maida Vale tube station.

Londoners’ savings

Murad Qureshi: What proportion of working-age Londoners have savings of £25,000 or more?

The Mayor: According to the Family Resources Survey 2016/17-2018/19, 11 per cent of London households headed by someone aged 18-64 had estimated savings of £25,000 or more. A further 14 per cent did not respond to the question.

Digital Talent Programme Funding

Susan Hall: How much of the £7m Digital Talent Programme Budget has been spent to date, committed to future projects and left unallocated? Please give a breakdown of the projects the fund has been spent on.

The Mayor: The sum of £3,342,006 has been spent to date on the Digital Talent Programme, whilst a total of £2,413,656 is committed till the end of the programme. £101,717 is currently uncommitted.
The Digital Talent Programme’s initial budget allocation of £7m funding (£5m from LEAP, match-funded with £2m from European Social Fund (ESF)), is now £5.8m, primarily due to reduced expenditure on ESF match-funding projects.
Breakdown of projects funded by the Digital Talent Programme
Project Description
Provider(s)
Funding
Strand 1: Digital Labs
One provider delivered a series of curriculum review sessions with industry stakeholder to ensure that the delivery of the Digital Skills Training projects meet industry needs and requirements.
Tech Partnership
£105,115
Strand 2.1: Digital Skills Training
Six providers are training young Londoners, across a range of digital specialisms from front‑end web development, digital marketing and gaming to visual effects.
Livity
£100,000
WKCIC
£98,700
A New Direction
£99,500
Freeformers [ESF co-funded]
£9,794
Newham [ESF co-funded]
£99,588
New City [ESF co-funded]
£71,143
Strand 2.2: Young Entrepreneurs
Two providers are preparing, coaching and supporting young people who have good business ideas, in the planning and development of a start-up, through different levels of support including an intense internship or accelerator programme.
Capital Enterprise
£400,000
A New Direction
£330,000
Strand 2.3: Digital Work Placements
Two providers will support young Londoners into digital work placements in the creative media sectors.
WKCIC
£50,000
A New Direction
£167,969
Strand 3: Higher Level Digital Skills
One provider is leading a consortium to improve the relevance of higher digital skills training (Level 4+) through university-SME partnerships and industry placements.
Newham [ESF co-funded]
£1,000,000
Strand 4: Capital Funding
Capital funding is made available for all existing Digital Talent delivery partners to support their project delivery.
Livity
£15,600
WKCIC (Digital Bootcamp)
£110,000
A New Direction (Digital Bootcamp)
£50,342
Newham College (Digital Skills)
£250,000
New City College
£250,000
Capital Enterprise
£110,270
A New Direction (Young Entrepreneurs)
£221,660
London CLC
£328,385
Newham College (Digital Grid)
£275,000
WKCIC (Digital Work Placement)
£100,000
A New Direction (Digital Work Placement)
£200,000
Strand 5: CPD for Digital Educators
One provider is training and supporting educators from secondary schools, sixth form colleges, private skills providers, FE colleges and youth organisations to improve their digital skills and confidence, share best practice and improve their career guidance offer.
London CLC
£588,856

A-Level Chaos [3]

Andrew Dismore: Have you had any discussion with London universities after the A-Level results chaos? What is their feedback? Have you raised this with the Government?

The Mayor: I welcomed the reversal in policy to Centre Assessed Grades, but this last minute change has placed enormous logistical pressures on London’s universities and caused significant unnecessary distress for young people. This matter has also been discussed by the London Transition Board Education subgroup, chaired by Cllr Peter John which includes representatives from London’s HE sector. Students are the number one priority for universities, and admissions teams have worked tirelessly to ensure as many students as possible can start their desired course. Unfortunately for some students, this will mean deferring till next year.
London Higher has rightly highlighted the logistical challenges faced by universities trying to accommodate additional students at short notice, while remaining Covid-secure. This disruption and the removal of temporary student number caps also raises new financial concerns for institutions whose financial modelling has been impacted. I am calling on government to ensure that adequate emergency support funding is in place for higher education institutions.

Cultural Landmarks in trouble

Andrew Dismore: What discussions have you had with the arts sector regarding the financial stability of the arts and cultural sector in London? What was their feedback? Have you raised this with the Government?

The Mayor: Since March, we have liaised extensively with the sector and expanded our Culture at Risk Office, responding to over 630 cases since lockdown. My Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, has been in close and continuous dialogue with the arts sector and has hosted a number of industry roundtables on the impact of the pandemic on creative workspace, freelancers and the self-employed and, night time business. Following evidence from industry that independent cinemas, grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues and creative workspaces were at particular risk of imminent closure, we launched the £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund to help save them. This has supported 97 organisations and over 11,500 individuals to date.
We have collaborated with the Creative Industries Federation and Oxford Economics to publish evidence on the devastating financial impact of COVID-19 on culture. Our research shows that London could lose up to £16.5bn in 2020 and 151,000 jobs due to the pandemic.
I have repeatedly called on Government to provide targeted support for jobs by extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for cultural and creative organisations that cannot operate sustainably, or at all, under continued social distancing requirements.

Non-Domestic Rates (Public Lavatories) Bill,

Caroline Russell: Would the Non-Domestic Rates (Public Lavatories) Bill, currently making progress in Parliament provide any added relief to the GLA or constituent bodies, including Transport for London (TfL), for the cost of providing public toilet facilities?

The Mayor: This Bill provides for mandatory 100 per cent business rates relief for public lavatories which are separately assessed on the local valuation list. This includes public lavatories operated and managed by public sector bodies and local authorities which are termed ‘excepted hereditaments’ and is not normally eligible for business rates reliefs.
The relief will not apply to public toilets, however, forming part of a larger unit of rateable property (a "hereditament"), which are not separately rated. London Underground and National rail stations (including London Overground stations) – excluding the retail outlets within them – form part of a single London Underground and Network rail cumulo assessment on the central rating list which includes the wider rail infrastructure network. So, in practice as TfL operated public toilets located in stations form part of the London Underground cumulo they will not generally be able to benefit from this relief scheme. The same issues may also apply to public toilets located in public buildings such as public libraries which are generally not separately assessed.
So while the Bill is welcome and will benefit separately rated toilets managed by local authorities it is unlikely to be applicable in respect of TfL operated toilets as these form part of the London Underground cumulo rating assessment on the central rating list.

Compliance with self-isolation guidance (2)

Onkar Sahota: Of the individuals contacted by NHS Test and Trace in London, what percentage will not to self-isolate? Please break this down by those testing positive and by close contacts if possible.

The Mayor: The NHS Test and Trace service contacts people who have (i) tested positive and (ii) the first contacts of someone who has tested positive. There is no tracking or monitoring undertaken to check if the self-isolation rules are observed.
I am extremely concerned that some people will find it very difficult to self-isolate, because of the limited financial support provided by statutory sick-pay and for others who will not be eligible. I have written to the Secretary of State for Health to raise my concerns.

Filling LFB junior officer roles (2

Andrew Dismore: What is the current target establishment for leading firefighters, sub officers, and station officers, and what is the actual number of substantive LFB staff in those ranks?

The Mayor: As of 31 August 2020 the establishment and actual numbers were as follows:
Rank
Establishment
Actuals
Station Officer
265.00
245.71
Sub Officer
620.00
500.57
Leading Firefighter
533.00
483.94
Firefighter
3129.00
3262.22
Total
4547.00
4492.44
A Station Officer promotion process has concluded in the first week of September. Successful candidates will fill both current vacancies and new vacancies arising between now and the next process in 2021. A Sub Officer promotion process is currently in progress and a Leading Firefighter process will start in October 2020.

Outbreaks across borough borders

Onkar Sahota: If a cluster of covid-19 cases crossed the border between two boroughs, where would authority lie to agree localised restrictions to suppress the outbreak? How would a disagreement between the two boroughs be resolved?

The Mayor: London boroughs are already working closely together at a sub-regional and pan London basis, as well as responding to clusters that cross borough boundaries into areas outside of London. There is little disagreement on measures required, however in the event of a disagreement, in the first instance, local political consensus would be sought.
In my role as a Category 1 responder and the formal chair of the pan-London Local Resilience Forum I met with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Chair of London Councils and other London leaders and we have agreed the escalation process for London in response to COVID-19 outbreaks. We agreed that it is vital that London partners work together to respond to rising cases and provide consistent communications to Londoners.

Good Food Retail Projects Applications

Susan Hall: How many applications have you received for Good Food Retail projects?

The Mayor: For the first round of funding, my Food Team received 14 applications, of which 5 were successful (Bexley, Camden, Croydon, Newham and Kensington & Chelsea).
In the second round of funding, they received 8 applications, of which 5 were successful. (Enfield, Greenwich, Haringey, Kingston and Redbridge).

Good Food Retail Projects Funding

Susan Hall: How much funding have you made available to Good Food Retail projects and of this, how much has been allocated and unallocated?

The Mayor: In my London Food Strategy I committed to help improve access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. I have made £60,000 available over the last two years to ten boroughs, providing them with funding of up to £5,000 each to develop a Good Food Retail Plan or Project, as well as providing £10,000 funding to Sustain (the alliance of better food and farming) towards their work on good food retail. All £60,000 has been allocated.

OPDC Press Officers

Shaun Bailey: How many press officers did OPDC employ in the 2019/20 year and what was the total cost of this?

The Mayor: OPDC does not employ a press officer and did not during the year 2019/20.
Press office duties are handled within OPDC’s communications and engagement function and supported by the Mayor of London’s press team.

Borough commander savings consultation

Andrew Dismore: What consultations has the Brigade conducted with officers on possible savings, were the representative bodies involved, and if so, how?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently preparing their budget submission. As part of this process all departments have provided budget proposals which are now being discussed at budget scrutiny meetings. The outcome from this process will be considered by the Commissioner’s Board in early October, and further consultation will then be undertaken on the budget proposals including with representative bodies. This consultation will build on earlier engagement with representative bodies on the Budget Guidance, as well as on budget matters more generally which are raised as part of regular meetings.
LFB also continues to communicate directly with the workforce. For station-based staff this has been via officer-led discussions with on-duty staff to gather their views on potential savings. The Commissioner and directors are also holding a series of virtual ‘Town Hall’ open meetings. This engagement is part of the ongoing dialogue with staff which includes the budget and the wider transformation agenda.

Testing at ports of entry

Onkar Sahota: What discussions have you had with Heathrow airport and other ports of entry into the UK regarding their plan for testing for coronavirus on entry for overseas arrivals?

The Mayor: I am due to meet the CEO of Heathrow Airport Limited on 2 October. I expect our discussion will include the role Heathrow can play in London’s recovery from COVID-19.
Public Health England’s Port Health Team works closely with airports and other terminals. The decision to test overseas arrivals for COVID-19 at airports and other ports of entry would be taken by central government including the Border Force, Department of Transport and Department of Health and Social Care. COVID-19 testing of people arriving at airports would not rule out the need for quarantine as you can test negative while you are incubating the virus.

The King’s Fund analysis of NHS reconfigurations

Onkar Sahota: Please provide an update on the timeline for The King’s Fund publishing analysis of the NHS’ latest reconfigurations in London

The Mayor: The completion of the independent review I commissioned from the King’s Fund on London’s five Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP)/ Integrated Care System (ICS) five-year strategic plans to deliver the NHS Long Term Plan was delayed due to COVID-19. Since the work was started the health and care system has had to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought about rapid changes in the organisation and delivery of health and care services in London. As such, I am planning to commission a second phase of this work, to explore the changing landscape across the health and care system in London in the light of Covid-19, focusing on the development of STPs/ICSs. The plan is to publish a report incorporating findings from both phases of the work by early 2021.

London Infrastructure Plan Review

Shaun Bailey: In light of the significant economic challenges London is facing as a result of covid-19, what have you done to review the London infrastructure plan 2050?

The Mayor: In the context of an economic recovery from Covid-19, investment in infrastructure has an important role as a stimulus for short-term economic activity and long-term economic gains. This is why one of the first announcements out of the London Recovery Board was on working with utilities to accelerate planned investment in London’s infrastructure. On the back of this, my team is considering more widely London’s infrastructure needs in the context of the pandemic. Our aim is to understand how infrastructure can help ignite London’s economic recovery and make London a fairer, greener and more resilient city.

Under 18s travel (2)

Jennette Arnold: Has there been an Equality Impact Assessment of this decision conducted by City Hall?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/3145.

Under 18s travel (3)

Jennette Arnold: Do you agree with me that the Government’s insistence on removing this concession is yet another example of their punitive attitude towards young people, who were recently hit by the awarded grades scandal and have suffered enough during lockdown?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/3145.

Young people not in employment, education of training (NEET)

Jennette Arnold: In response to question 2020/1878, you told me you were investing £30 million of European Social Funding on youth employability support, which includes improving the careers education offer in schools and colleges. This will be particularly crucial now, as the risk of young Londoners becoming NEET is higher. Can you provide an update on this programme and how many young Londoners have benefited?

The Mayor: I have invested European Social Funding (ESF) in 20 projects which have already supported more than 580 young Londoners to access training and employability support. This includes targeted support to care leavers, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and those who have dropped out of education. It also includes support to develop skills for jobs in the digital, construction and health and social care sectors. Providers are working extremely hard to adapt delivery to the challenge of Covid-19.
The £30 million ESF includes further projects, commencing by January 2021, which will support young Londoners aged 16 to 24 who are NEET, including those who are disabled or have special educational needs, care leavers, carers and those at risk of homelessness. Fifty secondary schools and colleges will also receive help to improve their careers offer.
These projects run until 2023 and aim to engage over 11,000 young Londoners.

Impact on the extension of the Congestion Charge operating hours for small businesses

Caroline Pidgeon: What assessment has TfL undertaken of the impact of the extension of the Congestion Charge operating hours on small businesses, especially in the retail sector? Please also provide an update as to the actual date that the temporary changes will continue to.

The Mayor: Congested roads are a major barrier to economic recovery, with the cost ofcongestioninLondonamounting to £5.5bnper year. Driversin the capitalloose more than 200 hours per year due to being stuck in traffic.This pushes up the cost forallbusinesses,createsunpredictablejourney times andseesdeliveries running late.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, very few shopping trips in central London were made by car. Between 2016/17 and 2018/19, 93 per cent of trips for shopping and personal business were made by walking, cycling or public transport. Only four per cent of trips were made by car.
Identifyingtheeconomicimpactof the chargeonweekendand evening activityin isolationisdifficultat thisearlystageas there are so many factors that could affect businesses at this time.Transport for Londonis undertaking monitoringtodevelopa betterunderstanding of the impactsasmore databecomesavailable for analysis.However, notwithstanding this,itis important tonote thatrecentfigures suggest that traffic is increasing.There also appears to bea faster rate of increase attheweekend thanonweekdays.
The temporary changes are being kept under review and willtake into accountimportant milestones in response to the pandemic or significant changes in circumstances.

Ban on Under 18s Residential Overnight Stays

Tony Devenish: Will you voice your support for the comments of Jake Curtis, the Chief Executive of Jamie's Farm, that Public Health England should "think again" regarding their ban on under 18s residential overnight stays, which Mr Curtis says will increase inequalities?

The Mayor: Overnight stays like those provided at Jamie’s Farm provide great opportunities for young Londoners who may not otherwise have the opportunity to get away from their everyday environment and experience something new. This is particularly true for some of our more vulnerable young people who experience the greatest health inequalities.
Any government guidance is developed with the intention of minimising the risk of transmission between individuals and groups. This may however inadvertently affect some groups disproportionately, including children and young people who may rely on these services for these opportunities.
I meet regularly with the Regional Director of Public Health England (London) and will raise this issue with him. Reducing health inequalities remains a top priority for me.

Healthcare priorities in Exercise Cygnus (1)

Onkar Sahota: Did the review of healthcare priorities following Exercise Cygnus consider mass discharge of patients to adult social care settings?

The Mayor: I have not been informed of the outcome of the review of healthcare priorities. I am advised by Public Health England (London region) that the responsibility for implementing recommendations from Exercise Cygnus lies with the Department of Health and Social Care.
I can comment, however, that the relationship and work between the NHS and Social Care sector during the COVID-19 response has been very good. The NHS developed a new approach to working with care homes. This included the Market Insight Tool, built by London Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, that gives the NHS a robust understanding of the adult social care market and therefore the best intelligence regarding discharge of patients to adult social care. These arrangements have been amongst the best in the UK in the response to COVID-19.

London Finance Commission

Shaun Bailey: How has the London Finance Commission helped you to improve the tax and public spending arrangements for the city?

The Mayor: Both the initial London Finance Commission which reported under the last Mayor in 2013 and the second report in 2016 made a convincing case for fiscal devolution to London and the regions of England particularly in relation to property taxes such as council tax, business rates and stamp duty. The recommendations were endorsed by London Government collectively but have not yet been taken forward by the Government beyond some welcome but temporary devolution of funding delivered through the business rates retention system.
All three property taxes are now fully devolved in Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland also has its own separate business rates and non domestic rating system. This has allowed the Governments of all three nations to respond more swiftly and creatively to provide support to businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic in a targeted way through rates relief and grant schemes which reflect their local economies. This is much more difficult in England where a one size fits all centrally directed approach with nationally set thresholds and rules can never truly reflect the complex and diverse local economies which exist across the country. This has meant many small and medium sized firms particularly in London have missed out on the help they need from the Government’s grant support schemes for businesses with fixed property costs due to the fact the qualifying rateable thresholds are simply too low.
The Government is undertaking a fundamental review of business rates which I hope will lead to more radical reforms and further devolution of this tax which was run locally for nearly 390 years up to 1989. As we respond to the huge challenges, we now face arising from the COVID pandemic we need a new approach to managing taxes and public spending which reflects the diversity and complexity of England’s economy.
That I think is the key message that I have learned around the delivery of public spending and developing tax measures – these decisions, in the majority of cases, are better designed and delivered locally. If Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can do this effectively there is no reason why London and the cities, counties and regions of England cannot do the same.

First Free Ride

Keith Prince: Which transport providers, operators or companies has TfL had discussions with over the idea of introducing a ‘First Ride Free’ scheme?

The Mayor: This is one of a number of options that are being considered to help encourage people back into central London in the coming months. No decisions have been taken on this and it would have to form part of the discussions with Government about Transport for London (TfL) finances. For that reason, TfL is yet to discuss them in detail with other operators or providers.

South Wimbledon Tube station

Leonie Cooper: Has there been any more rail grinding undertaken at South Wimbledon tube station since the last round of works?

The Mayor: Yes. Transport for London carried out rail grinding at South Wimbledon tube station on 31 August between Morden and South Wimbledon northbound; on 1 September between South Wimbledon and Colliers Wood northbound; and on 2 September between South Wimbledon and Morden southbound.

London Food Board Pandemic Response

Shaun Bailey: How has the London Food board been responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The London Food Board has played an integral part in supporting and informing the response to the pandemic’s impact on the food system.
In response to the increased demand for food aid and shortages of food supplies at community organisations and food banks in the early stages of the pandemic, GLA officers secured contributions from Board members such as FareShare as part of multi-partner efforts to establish Community Food Hubs in every borough, which helped ensure food supplies reached vulnerable groups.
The Board subsequently established a dedicated sub-group to monitor demand for food aid across London and make recommendations for action. As a direct result of the sub-group’s work, every borough has now developed Food Transition Plans coveringongoing arrangements for providing food support during the transition from lockdown to recovery.
A further sub-group of the board, consisting of public health officers from every borough and frontline community organisations, has also continued to meet to disseminateintelligence, best practice andupdates on COVID-19’s ongoing impact on food insecurity, food supplies and health inequalities.

Young Professional Panel Pandemic Response

Shaun Bailey: How is the Young Professional Panel responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: I established the Young Professional Panel (YPP) to provide an independent and critical eye on my work programme in the infrastructure space and to ensure that it incorporates fresh ideas from tomorrow’s more diverse senior leadership, today. The YPP has been providing valuable insight on how they see the infrastructure sector being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and developing thinking to help my team as it considers London’s future infrastructure needs as the capital moves towards recovery. Please see a recent YPP blog post on the impact of Covid-19 for London’s infrastructure sector here. The YPP has also been providing feedback through the GLA’s Infrastructure team on the social and economic recovery missions the GLA is developing with partners at they evolve.

Infrastructure Advisory Panel Pandemic Response

Shaun Bailey: How is the Infrastructure Advisory Panel responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: I established the Infrastructure Advisory Panel to bring together a range of experts in the sector to feed new ideas into the infrastructure agenda and support the delivery of my priorities. In response to the pandemic, my officers have been using the Infrastructure Advisory Panel’s experience and expertise to identify ways we can overcome London’s key infrastructure challenges and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects across the capital to boost London’s economy.
Since work began on London’s economic recovery, the Advisory Panel has contributed in workshops on key infrastructure related topics including a session on London’s resilience post-Covid. Members have also helped in the development of thinking around London’s future infrastructure needs, considering how infrastructure can help ignite London’s economic recovery and make London a fairer, greener and more resilient city. As a diverse group of industry leaders, the panel are also advising us on how we can ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce in the infrastructure sector is at the heart of the recovery.

London Infrastructure Group Pandemic Response

Shaun Bailey: How is the Mayor’s London Infrastructure Group responding to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The London Infrastructure Group (LIG) brings together CEO-level representatives from the infrastructure sector, including organisations responsible for providing energy, water, telecoms and flood protection. My team has maintained regular communication with LIG members throughout the lockdown period to ensure that London's infrastructure systems remain operational and that Londoners receive the services that they depend upon. In general, these organisations have done a fantastic job in keeping the city running despite the disruption that we have all faced.
The infrastructure sector now has an important role to play in supporting London's economic and social recovery. Through the London Recovery Board, I and my team have been working with LIG members to explore how they can bring forward planned and new investments to provide an additional boost to the economy and create jobs. In July we announced a package of infrastructure works worth up to £1.5 billion in support of this objective.

Noise Pollution from Speeding Vehicles Across London (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: I have received complaints from frustrated constituents across the capital over significant noise pollution from speeding vehicles, particularly motorbikes. I am aware of the Sounder City strategy for tackling ambient noise, but how are you working with Boroughs, the Met and others to strengthen action against speeding vehicles and the noise they cause, given the increased levels of disruption being experienced by many across the city?

The Mayor: Tackling speeding offences is a shared priority for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Transport for London (TfL). TfL works in partnership with the police, providing substantial funding to the MPS Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), who carry out enforcement and engagement activities, on an intelligence-led basis, across the capital. TfL works with the MPS RTPC to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads through targeted enforcement, engagement and education.
The MPS also has a dedicated Motorcycle Safety Team (MST), which enforces against any motorists who do not comply with traffic laws during enforcement operations. Officers can also issue Vehicle Prohibition Notices if the motorcycle itself is dangerous.
TfL has also worked in partnership with the MPS to create a new process for boroughs to request police support on roads where speeding is believed to be a problem. Where necessary, police will undertake speed validation checks, which can then lead to further intervention.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/2599.

South Wimbledon Tube station

Leonie Cooper: When will South Wimbledon tube station fully re-open?

The Mayor: All stations that were closed for staffing reasons during the pandemic have now reopened, except Heathrow Terminal 4, which remains closed at the request of the airport.
South Wimbledon station is currently open on weekdays between 07:00 and 19:00, and Transport for London expects the station to fully reopen from Sunday 27 September.

Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Disabled Londoners (1)

Leonie Cooper: Research by Citizens Advice found that one in four disabled people are currently facing redundancy. The charity has called for a watchdog that will be a one-stop shop to protect employment rights. Would you support this call which could help prevent redundancies disproportionately falling on Londoners living with a disability? (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/06/parents-carers-and-disabled-people-in-uk-twice-as-likely-to-lose-job)

The Mayor: While this is a tough time for employers, the pandemic cannot be an excuse for businesses to break the rules. It is concerning that in the UK redundancies are disproportionately being offered to disabled people, carers, and people who are or have been shielding from Covid-19.
Anyone who has been made redundant unfairly should have their rights enforced. My Employment Rights Hub has information for workers about what to do if their employer is breaking the rules. However, the majority of employment rights are not enforced by any public body, and existing enforcement routes are complex, poorly-funded, and have been disrupted during the pandemic.
The government has rightly recognised that the employment rights enforcement system needs reform. It should introduce its forthcoming single enforcement body as quickly as possible in response to the jobs crisis we now face, and my officers will work with the relevant departments and agencies to ensure it works for London.

Digital Talent Programme Opportunities

Susan Hall: How many opportunities for 16-24 year olds to "gain digital skills, careers advice, and support to set up their own business in the technology sector" have been created each year as a direct result of the Digital Talent Programme?

The Mayor: On the Young Entrepreneurs strand of the Digital Talent Programme, delivered by two providers, 394 young Londoners (244 in 2019/20 and 150 in 2020/21) have received training and support in business development, entrepreneurial and employability skills, industry mentoring, mental health and wellbeing support, access to placements and wider opportunities in the tech sector. So far, 38 start-ups have been supported as a result of the programme.

Connected London Team Funding

Susan Hall: How much has been spent on the Connected London Team since its creation in Autumn 2017 and how many more Londoners and businesses are connected as a direct result of their work?

The Mayor: The Connected London team has employed three full time staff members since September 2017, this has cost a total of approximately £500,000 over a three-year period. Since creation the team has worked closely with TfL and London’s boroughs in securing over £41m to improve full fibre connectivity across London. Procurement for a supplier who will deliver the connections is due to complete this year. Once the funding is delivered it is estimated that over 500 public sector premises will be connected and over 500,000 residential premises will be able to order a full fibre connection as a result of the grant funding projects, so I think the Connected London team represents excellent value for money.

NHS Test and Trace app trial in Newham (2)

Onkar Sahota: How many times has the NHS Test and Trace app been downloaded by Newham residents?

The Mayor: My team has repeatedly asked the Government for the number of downloads but have not yet been provided with them. I understand that Newham Council have also not had sight of the figures showing the take up of the app, and how many users (if any) have been asked to self-isolate. It’s essential that the Government works with us and Newham to ensure that we learn the lessons we need quickly during this pilot phase.

NHS Test and Trace app trial in Newham (1)

Onkar Sahota: Please provide an update on the trial of the test and trace app in Newham.

The Mayor: My team has repeatedly asked the Government for the number of downloads but have not yet been provided with them. I understand that Newham Council have also not had sight of the figures showing the take up of the app, and how many users (if any) have been asked to self-isolate. It’s essential that the Government works with us and the Council to ensure that we learn the lessons we need quickly during this pilot phase.
In the meantime, Newham are doing all they can to make the trial a success. The council is using a network of more than 300 volunteers to reach different communities; holding video sessions with voluntary sector groups, faith representatives, business leaders, councillors and young people; and contacting more than 7,000 businesses and venues to display the QR codes that help the app work.

Health Equity Working group

Onkar Sahota: What is the membership and remit of the Health Equity Working Group and will its meeting papers be public?

The Mayor: The Health Equity Group (HEG) is being set up as a sub-group of the London Health Board. The terms of reference (ToR) are still being refined by the group and are therefore in draft form.
The draft ToR states that the role of the HEG is to: “provide leadership and coordination to ensure health equity is central to all London level partnership transition and recovery strategies and the London Vision; oversee the refresh of [my] Health Inequalities Strategy implementation plan; promote and support collaboration and action at neighbourhood, borough and ICS/STP level; put in place enabling work identified by local partnerships as helpful to their joint work; provide visible systems leadership and advocacy on health equity issues for Londoners.”
The group is co chaired by the Regional Director, PHE London & Regional Director of Public Health, NHS London and the Chief Executive Tower Hamlets Council who is also the CELC Lead Advisor for Health
The draft ToR, includes a list of groups that will be represented on the HEG this is still being refined and may be subject to change.
I understand there is no plan to publish the meeting papers at this stage.

Skills for Londoners Capital Fund (1)

Susan Hall: How much of the £82m Skills for Londoners Capital Fund has been spent to date and has already been committed to future projects? Please give a breakdown of the projects the fund has been spent on.

The Mayor: £82m was allocated for the second round of my Skills for Londoners Capital Fund, Mayor’s Construction Academy and Small Project and Equipment Fund with projects entering into grant from April 2019 onwards. £6.4m has been spent to date and a further £55.4m is committed to future projects, the majority of which are in delivery. The remaining £20.2m is funding the COVID-19 Emergency Recovery Support Fund (ERSF) and the COVID Contingency Fund.
Breakdown of the projects the fund has been spent on so far:
Provider
Project Name
Amount spent to date £m
HCUC (Harrow College and Uxbridge College)
Digital and Skills for Work Academy
3.8
Barking and Dagenham College
Resourcing – IOT Industrial Digitalisation
0.8
HCUC (Harrow College and Uxbridge College)
Construction Skills Centre
1.3
Simian Risk Management
Waltham Forest BECI Centre
0.2
Mary Ward Settlement
The Mary Ward Adult Education Centre East
0.3
Total
6.4

Vaccine takeup (2)

Onkar Sahota: What review of health service capacity to deliver a mass-vaccination programme in London is being undertaken?

The Mayor: I understand from the NHS that a national review of the capacity to deliver a mass vaccination programme across all regions has been undertaken. This was led by the national NHS England and NHS Improvement team that commissions public health functions delivered by the NHS. This is part of a national programme of work to prepare and design the system to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine and the forthcoming flu vaccination programme.

Vaccine takeup (1)

Onkar Sahota: What efforts is the London Resilience Forum making to improve winter flu vaccine takeup before winter 2020/21?

The Mayor: Every year the flu affects thousands of Londoners, and this year in particular we need to protect ourselves as best we can. The flu vaccine is the best protection we have to do so.
The NHS and I will be working with partners across London to help Londoners access flu jabs in a range of setting, including at GP clinics and pharmacies.
I will be supporting the NHS to promote their winter flu campaign and ensuring that it is promoted throughout London. I myself always get a winter flu jab due my asthma I would encourage others who are eligible to get one too.

BAME Representation in the Arts and Creative Industries

Caroline Pidgeon: Supporting our arts and creative sector moving forward will be essential. Covid-19 has had such a huge impact on the sector and those who work in it. As London looks to revive and re-build its arts and cultural sector can you explain how you will be working to improve and enhance BAME representation within the sector in London?

The Mayor: I am funding programmes to help a number of programmes to open up the culture sector to people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Film London’s Equal Access Network is working with employers like Sony and HBO to diversify the film industry; Ensemble, run by Games London shines a spotlight on BAME games talent; and NEWGEN, by British Fashion Council, gives emerging fashion designers, 45 per cent from BAME backgrounds, vital access to buyers.
My London Borough of Culture in Brent, has awarded £500,000 in small grants to artists and creatives in the borough, 33 per cent from a BAME background and which is also supporting over 150 young people on a cultural leadership programme, 74 per cent from a BAME background.
The first of my Creative Enterprise Zones ESF skills programmes has started in Tottenham, and I am funding a £2m creative sector skills programme with European Social Funds to tackle under-representation. In both, at least 50 per cent of participants will be creative talent from a BAME background. We will continue to support bold interventions that improve representation across the arts and creative sector.

Monitoring of Redundancies across London

Caroline Pidgeon: What work are you doing to look at how redundancies are impacting communities across London, and whether any particular communities, such as women and BAME individuals are being disproportionately impacted by the loss of jobs in the capital due to Covid-19?

The Mayor: GLA Economics produces two key products as part of its ongoing monitoring of the labour market, and the analysis included will inform City Hall’s recovery work to support Londoners into good jobs:
Research shows that those on low incomes, who are disproportionately from BAME backgrounds and women, are most at risk of jobs losses, or reduced hours and pay.

London Community Response: COVID 19 Risk Fund

Florence Eshalomi: Funding has been distributed through the London Community Response (LCR) to support the capital’s civil society organisations in their work to reducing the COVID-19 risk to potentially vulnerable groups. The LCR is an unprecedented funder collaboration, the GLA is one of the funders. Transform Wellness Ltd, a non-profit organisation that operates across my Lambeth constituency, applied for funding but their bid was unfortunately unsuccessful, and they were informed that they would not be receiving feedback. At the pre-application stage they were under the impression that feedback will follow. Can the Mayor look into this matter? It is crucial that organisations are receiving comprehensive feedback to ensure transparency of the funding process.

The Mayor: Due to the high volume of applications to the London Community Response Fund, over 3000 applications to date, the fund is unfortunately unable to offer bespoke feedback to all applicants as standard practice. The LCR team do try to make this clear in the guidance. In order to be considered for the fund organisations must meet criteria that are set out in the guidance document. All organisations that do not meet these criteria, receive an email from the fund giving a range of possible reasons as to why their application was unsuccessful in the sifting phase.
The fund is able however to provide more detailed feedback on request. My community engagement team would be happy to follow up with Transform Wellness to explain why their application was not successful at the sifting stage.

Rapid review of socio-economic inequalities from covid-19

Onkar Sahota: When will the review of the impact of covid-19 on socio-economic inequalities by the Universities of Sussex and Manchester, and the Ubele Initiative, be published, and will it contain recommendations for the GLA family?

The Mayor: We commissioned the University of Manchester to lead on a rapid (10 weeks) evidence review on the impact of COVID-19 on those with protected characteristics and socio-economic inequalities in June 2020. We expect the report to be published by October. There will be recommendations in the report, which are focused on identifying tractable policy solutions in order to prevent, or mitigate, the inequalities in relation to protected characteristics and socio-economic position that result from the COVID-19 pandemic and policy responses to it. The recommendations have been made independently of the GLA. The agencies with the necessary authority, or responsibility, to identify and take forward actions will vary across the recommendations; some will be for the GLA family’s consideration.

Impact of furlough scheme ending

Jennette Arnold: What assessment have you made of the impact of the end of the furlough scheme on gender and ethnic inequality in London?

The Mayor: GLA Economics produces a briefing analysing each official release of furlough statistics and a labour market roundup analysing available evidence on the impacts of COVID-19 on London’s labour market.
Past roundups include GLA Economics analysis of jobs at greatest risk, supported by research of those on low incomes, showing BAME workers and women are most at risk of jobs losses or reduced pay. Smaller pay increases for women would slow progress to close the gender pay gap.
There are 1.39 million Londoners on furlough, exposing them to greater risk of job loss once the scheme ends, particularly in a job market with 24% fewer job postings relative to last year.
Furlough take-up rates are higher for men than women across most age groups and higher for younger and older workers. BAME workers are overrepresented among workers in the accommodation and food sector, which has the highest take-up rate.

Low income family finances

Jennette Arnold: Child Poverty Action Group and the C of E have found that eight in ten low-income families feel worse off since the lockdown began. What are you doing to assess this problem in London and help families avoid a fall in their incomes?

The Mayor: I’m both very aware and deeply concerned about the effect lockdown is having on low-income families. My officers are continually gathering data and intelligence to understand the problem and I’m determined to do all I can to help.
Throughout the pandemic the Employment Rights Hub on London.gov.uk has been regularly updated with accessible advice relevant to low-income working families. Content signposting Londoners to financial support like benefits, crisis loans or debt advice has also been added. And my officers are currently working with the Child Poverty Action Group to produce a resource pack for schools to help them support low-income families.
As I always have done, I’ll continue call on the Government to do more to boost the incomes of families through the benefit system, for example, by increasing child benefit payments and scrapping the two-child limit, the benefit cap, the Universal Credit five-week wait, and No Recourse to Public Funds conditions.

Supporting Arts and Culture venues

Jennette Arnold: How are you supporting arts and culture venues that are not specifically recognised as leisure and hospitality venues? For example Storm Rehearsal Studios in my constituency face an uncertain future as they are not considered part of the leisure and hospitality sector. However the rules which their business is governed by are those relating to live performances. As such they are being charged business rates for periods they have been unable to open, making their financial position much more challenging.

The Mayor: The Government’s relief packages have left out critical parts of London’s creative ecosystem. I wrote to the Chancellor on 7 May requesting that relief is extended to businesses affected by higher rates payments. On 8 July, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport requesting relief include creative supply chain businesses like Storm Rehearsal Studios.
We have launched a £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund; expanded our Culture at Risk Office and London Growth Hub; established the Pay It Forward crowd-funding platform; and launched a £1m Back to Business Fund.
Since 1 April, the Culture at Risk Office has responded to over 630 cases, including Storm Rehearsal Studios who were recently awarded £10,000 of Discretionary Grant funding. Our team continues to work with Islington Council and the studios to secure their future.

Child Mental Health Support

Caroline Pidgeon: With the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and young people, what work is being undertaken to target the most vulnerable to help them recover and give professionals the opportunity to identify safeguarding issues and other concerns?

The Mayor: I am working with local authorities and the NHS to provide London-wide tools that support children and young people.
My Youth Mental Health First Aid programme aims to have one trained Mental Health First Aider in every state funded school and college in London. It enables teachers and youth workers to develop knowledge, skills and confidence to talk about and spot the signs of poor mental health.
The London Schools Mental Health Toolkit has been updated, to support school-based work on children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. This, together with Thrive LDN and the Good Thinking digital mental health and wellbeing service, signposts teachers, youth workers, parents and students to a range support and clinical services.
My Healthy Schools London programme supports schools to improve mental health and wellbeing and my Young Londoners Fund supports over 300 youth projects which will reach 110,000 vulnerable young Londoners, many which focus on mental health.

Support for Child Wellbeing post-COVID

Caroline Pidgeon: The charity Barnardo’s warned recently that the COVID-19 pandemic has, and continues to have, a significant impact on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. How are you working with boroughs to set out plans to deliver a programme of resilience-building and social activities for all children and young people?

The Mayor: My Healthy Schools London programme continues to work with London Boroughs and schools to support and improve children and young people’s health and well-being.
Funded through the Young Londoners Fund, my Youth Mental Health First Aid programme continues to provide training for schools and the voluntary sector ensuring that teachers and youth workers have the knowledge, skills and confidence to talk about and spot the signs of poor mental health.
I have granted funds from the Young Londoners Fund (YLF) to more than 300 education, sport and cultural activity projects, which will provide positive opportunities for over 110,000 young Londoners. In July, I announced further investment of £2.1m from the YLF and Violence Reduction Unit to deliver activities over the next six months to improve young Londoners wellbeing, skills and opportunities. This activity aims to provide vital support for 15,000 young Londoners as COVID-19 control measures continue to evolve.

Vaccination Rates in London

Caroline Pidgeon: Vaccination rates in London continue to be significantly lower than the UK average. As we face Covid-19 and look to find a vaccination, this is more worrying than ever. How are you working with the Government and Public Health England/The National Institute for Health Protection to ensure vaccination rates in London improve?

The Mayor: London’s vaccination rates are lower than other regions due to several London specific factors – highly mobile population, social inequalities, complex data management systems (which undercount vaccinations) and declining vaccination workforce.
However, during COVID-19, considerable partnership work has occurred across London to ensure the continuation of childhood immunisations, including the training of practice staff in how to deliver vaccinations safely during COVID-19, and communications to all parents of children attending preschool and school. As of 1st September, London’s rates have returned to preCOVID-19 levels.
The London Immunisation Partnership Board has restarted plans to improve London’s rates to 95% levels by embedding evidence-based practices such as call/recall, digital solutions, increasing workforce capacity and considering different and more accessible models of delivery. The GLA and NHS are working together to train up immunisation champions in schools, early year settings and in communities to encourage uptake. We are also working together to reduce vaccine hesitancy in the London population.

Exercises to test covid-19 plans

Onkar Sahota: What involvement does the GLA family have in exercises to test borough Contain plans for potential covid-19 outbreaks in London?

The Mayor: The GLA family has worked with PHE on the development of the London Outbreak Control Plan and my Health Team has participated in the peer review process of Local Outbreak Control Plans across London.
GLA members of the London Transition Management Group have also been part of the Pan London Exercises and workshops that were run to support the development of the London Outbreak Control Plan. This included involvement in a MHCLG led South East England and London exercise designed to look at cross border issues between counties and London.

Queerantine study

Onkar Sahota: What actions are you taking to support the health of LGBT+ Londoners in lockdown, who were found in the “Queerantine” study by UCL and Sussex University to have high levels of stress and depressive symptoms?

The Mayor: Thrive LDN is committed to celebrating and protecting London’s diversity, especially for those at higher risk of unfair treatment based on who they are. COVID-19 has exposed pre-existing societal and health inequalities that operate across multiple and intersecting systems.
As part of Thrive LDNs ongoing public mental health response to COVID-19, we are actively working with the LGBTQ+ community and organisations to listen and learn from the experiences of Londoners whose voices are often less frequently heard. We are listening to their views about how we can best support their mental health, wellbeing and resilience, and to understand the factors that impact these. This involves engaging with Switchboard to monitor changes in service requirements, supporting a series of Brixton Reel outreach and engagement projects with intersectional groups, such as the Black, Asian and Latin American LGBTQ+ communities, as well as continuing to fund LGBTQ+ organisations through the Right to Thrive grants scheme.

VRU Strategy Progress

Unmesh Desai: What progress has the VRU made in developing a strategy for supporting vulnerable young people more likely to be involved in violence and/or being exploited as lockdown continues to be eased?

The Mayor: Ensuringyoung people receive the support needed through lockdown and thereafter is critical.
London’s Violence Reduction Unithas built a strategy centred around the influential relationships that can impact positively on a young person’s life - families, youth workers, teachers and peers.
The Unit is supporting families through the development of a parents and carers network, has set up a Young Leaders Action Group, invested in a leadership programme for 100 youth sector workers and funded training forhealthcareprofessionalsto spot signs of domestic violence in response to the increased calls to police and helplines duringlockdown.
Furthermore, the Unithasrecently funded mentoring support todisadvantagedyoungLondoners who attendLondon'sPRUs. This funding package of £2.38 million includes investment of £1.38 million for community-led after-school activity, which evidence shows is when young people are most at risk of becoming involved or being a victim of violence.

Culture at Risk Fund

Shaun Bailey: Please provide a full list of all organisations and programmes that have received funding from the Culture at Risk Emergency Fund.

The Mayor: My £2.3 million Culture at Risk Business Support Fund is providing emergency assistance to sustain cultural and creative venues most at risk of falling into administration, and many of whom are unable to benefit from Government schemes or funding from Arts Council England.
To date, £1.6 million has been distributed in grants to 97 independent cinemas and artist workspaces across London, supporting over 11,500 individuals. Recipients are listed on the London.gov website. An application process to award grants to grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues is underway and I will announce recipients of these funds later in September.
Additional specialist business support continues to be provided to creative businesses in all London boroughs through my Culture at Risk Office and the London Growth Hub.
Further information about the fund can be found here.

LTN Planters (1)

Susan Hall: What is the cost of a single planter that is used to block off cars in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods?

The Mayor: All the temporary Low Traffic Neighbourhoods being delivered under the London Streetspace Plan are designed and delivered by boroughs, and include a variety of means to reduce traffic, including various designs of planters. Cost will therefore vary by design and the boroughs own procurement arrangements. In general, such measures are low cost, but also need to be accompanied by design and implementation costs, and legal traffic order making.

383 bus extension

Andrew Dismore: When is the 383 bus route extension to Finchley Memorial Hospital due to come into effect?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) plans to temporarily extend route 383 once highway works within the Finchley Memorial Hospital grounds have been completed to accommodate single-deck buses. These works need to be carried out by the hospital, which is the highway authority, and are being funded by TfL. The provisional start date for the service change is late autumn 2020.
The route would be extended between Woodside Park station and Finchley Memorial Hospital via North Finchley town centre, and would continue to serve the existing route between Woodside Park station and Barnet, The Spires. A public consultation on this change is also planned and TfL will review its popularity once it has been in place for a year.

Public Health England [1]

Andrew Dismore: The Government has decided to scrap Public Health England. You may be aware that PHE is based in Colindale in my constituency, and is a major local employer. Do you agree with me that the decision to scrap PHE is a political move by the government in order to scapegoat them for their own poor response to the COVID crisis. Do you further agree that the middle of a global health crisis is the worst possible time to scrap the body leading the national response to the virus? Given the high toll of Coronavirus on London, its loss is especially devastating to this city, isn’t it?

The Mayor: The full impact and detail of the reorganisation is not yet clear, and I understand that the new structures will not be in place until spring next year. Any reorganisation of PHE must prioritise restoring the funding for public health work across the system, and proper investment in its workforce. I will continue to advocate in all my meetings with PHE leadership, including Baroness Harding, that jobs should be protected.
It is beyond belief that, during the middle of a crisis, the Government is embarking on a mass reorganisation of one of our front-line agencies. I continue to work closely with PHE’s Regional Director for London, Professor Kevin Fenton, and his team on all issues relating to our response. PHE’s health protection work will continue uninterrupted as part of new NIHP structures. I sought this assurance directly from Baroness Harding when I met her.

Post-Pandemic Recovery Plan for Older Londoners

Tony Devenish: What are you doing to develop a post-pandemic recovery plan for older Londoners and will you commit to working with Positive Ageing for London?

The Mayor: I established the London Community Response Survey to engage with London’s civil society and gauge their experiences, including older Londoners’ organisations such as Positive Ageing. The survey helped inform the London Community Response Fund’s priorities; I have contributed £5m to the fund which has made grants to older peoples’ organisations and supported local initiatives for vulnerable older people.
The GLA has committed to implementing the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Communities Framework to make London more age-friendly. We are producing an action plan.
Work on Age-Friendly London, and intelligence gathered through the London Community Response Survey, have informed our immediate response to the Covid pandemic, and the Transition and Recovery Programmes.
I have written to Positive Ageing in London to thank them for their input, and will continue to work with them, and all key older Londoners stakeholders, as we reshape London as a cleaner, greener and more equal city.

Universal Credit and Rent Arrears

Leonie Cooper: Research by the Smith Institute (www.smith-institute.org.uk/book/falling-behind-the-impact-of-universal-c...), carried out in 12 London boroughs found that on average, tenants build-up £240 of rental arrears after they make a Universal Credit claim. How are you working with London Councils, who commissioned the research, to lobby for the end of the 5 week wait for Universal Credit?

The Mayor: I have long argued that Universal Credit is in need of a complete overhaul. The latest research by the Smith Institute is yet more evidence that glaring design flaws like the five-week wait, mean that Universal Credit, far from being a tool to tackle poverty, instead pushes claimants even deeper into hardship.
Since the start of the pandemic I’ve written to both the Prime Minster and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions calling on them to scrap the five-week wait. This is clearly still a much-needed change when hundreds of thousands of Londoners, and many more nationally, are in dire need of immediate financial support.
As you know, I am working with London borough leaders through the London Recovery Board to oversee London’s recovery from the pandemic. Ensuring that Londoners have access to the financial support they need to escape hardship will be a key element of this work.

Targeted Support for Theatre Workers

Leonie Cooper: The trade union representing theatre workers across the country, Bectu, has reported that around 2,700 theatre related job losses have already taken place in London (including redundancies of permanently employed staff and lay-offs of casual workers and zero hours contract staff). Has the Government responded to your call for targeted sector support through schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-Employed Income Support Scheme or are these workers being hung out to dry? (https://bectu.org.uk/news/theatre-job-losses-jump-from-3000-to-5000-in-a-month-reports-bectu/0)

The Mayor: London’s creative ecosystem, including theatre, stands to lose up to £16.5bn this year, and 151,000 jobs.
Many creative organisations, including theatres, cannot reopen with social distancing. Whilst I welcome Government’s £1.57bn fund for the arts, this will not retain jobs by supporting reopening, and vital businesses and freelancers, like set designers or prop hire, are ineligible and at severe risk.
I welcome reports that Government is striving for theatre to return without social distancing by November. A ‘Seat Out to Help Out’ scheme, which almost 50,000 people have supported in a petition, would be welcome for some, but only when adequate rapid testing will truly mean that all theatres can reopen and save jobs.
I and others have repeatedly called on Government to offer targeted extension of the Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. I have not received a response from Government on this. If reopening cannot go ahead in November, Government must urgently extend these employment support schemes.

Londoners Missing out on Government Support Schemes

Leonie Cooper: A report by the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee has found that over a million people are locked out of coronavirus support schemes ( https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmtreasy/454/45403.htm#_idTextAnchor000). How many people in London have been effectively ‘locked out’ of support schemes and how are you lobbying the government to support these Londoners?

The Mayor: It is not possible to calculate the exact number of Londoners who have been unable to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). A number of groups have not benefited from the CJRS, including casual workers and workers employed by employment agencies, and many low paid Londoners have ended up receiving less than the National Minimum Wage while on furlough.
GLA Economics estimates that there could be around 118,000 self-employed Londoners missing out in part or entirely on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
I have consistently said that this crisis will require long-term economic intervention from the Government on an unprecedented scale. I have called on the Government to maintain the CJRS in those sectors hardest hit by Covid-19 such as retail, culture and hospitality to support London’s workers and employers through this crisis and avoid an increase in poverty.

Employment Rights Hub Access

Leonie Cooper: If possible, please provide monthly figures on the number of people that have accessed the Employment Rights Hub since its launch.

The Mayor: The Employment Rights Hub has had almost 18,000 unique page views since it was launched in October 2019. Monthly figures are as follows:
Date range
Unique Page Views
17/10/2019 – 17/11/2019
302
18/11/2019 – 17/12/2019
96
18/12/2019 – 17/01/2020
91
18/01/2020 – 17/02/2020
226
18/02/2020 – 17/03/2020
2094
18/03/2020 – 17/04/2020
2648
18/04/2020 – 17/05/2020
2052
18/05/2020 – 17/06/2020
10,260
18/06/2020 – 17/07/2020
1562
18/07/2020 – 17/08/2020
1172
18/08/2020 – 09/09/2020
2316
Total since 17/10/2019
22,395

The Disproportional impact of No-Recourse to Public Funds

Leonie Cooper: Research from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford suggests that no recourse to public funds (NPRF) restrictions falls disproportionately on people of colour. Do you share my concerns that this policy is pushing greater numbers of people into poverty as unemployment rises and how are you lobbying the Government to call for an end to this policy?

The Mayor: Thousands of people with entitlements to live and work in the UK pay taxes but are unable to access mainstream welfare benefits and social housing because they have no recourse to public funds. Children in these families can’t get free school meals when they need them. I share your concern – without this vital safety net, families risk being forced into destitution and this disproportionately impacts Londoners from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds.
There has been a collective call to suspend the NRPF condition from across local government. I have lobbied the Government extensively on this issue, including writing to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, briefing parliamentarians ahead of Immigration Bill debates, and raising public awareness of the impact of NRPF through social media and the press. I am also investing in immigration advice so that Londoners can secure their full residency and citizenship rights.

Economic Disproportionality

Leonie Cooper: Research by the Social Metrics Commission found that across the UK nearly half of Black/African/Caribbean/ Black British households were in poverty compared to just one in five white families. What action are you taking to address this inequality in London and how are you lobbying the Government to influence relevant policy decisions over which you have no direct remit?

The Mayor: The findings from the Social Metrics Commission clearly demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face in tackling economic inequality amongst different ethnic groups.
I’m doing what I can to close the gap in London by providing targeted support to those who need it most. For example, I’m helping young black men into living wage employment through the Workforce Integration Network and I’m using the European Social Fund and Adult Education Budget to assist Londoners who face the biggest disadvantages in the labour market get the skills they need to find and progress in work.
However, many of the levers to lift Londoners out of poverty are in the hands of Government. I’ve repeatedly called on them to ensure that the benefit system covers the basic cost of living and housing. We know that doing so is likely to be particularly beneficial to many Black African and Caribbean households due to the high poverty rates amongst these communities. Equally, it is important that the benefit system is accessible to all Londoners, including non-UK nationals with no recourse to public funds.

School bus services (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Following TfL’s decision to introduce school only buses on specific bus routes what steps is TfL taking to assess this policy and when will any evaluation results be published?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is monitoring demand and performance on a daily basis. It has mobilised hundreds of volunteers to observe buses in their local areas and is taking account of comments from operators, schools and other stakeholders, as well as surveys and ticketing data, to identify how closely demand matches capacity and to consider whether any changes need to be made, subject to resource constraints.
Updates will be reported through the usual channels including the Commissioner’s Report and Quarterly Performance Report.

Babcock secondees

Andrew Dismore: What is the cost to the Brigade, on top of the standard Babcock contract costs, for the expanded secondee programme proposed to address issues in the GTI and HMI reports?

The Mayor: The estimated cost of this initiative is £732,740 per year, and the budget was supplemented by this amount on 1 April 2020.

August 2020 Surrey fires

Andrew Dismore: Please provide a breakdown of the mutual aid rendered by LFB to Surrey FRS during August 2020.

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade attended 55 incidents in Surrey during August 2020. Below is abreakdown by incident type.
Incident type
Incidents
AFA
3
False alarm – good intent
11
Flood call attended – batch mobilised
1
Incomplete Incident
3
Primary Fire
13
Secondary Fire
3
Special Service
21
Total
55

Modernisation of pelican crossings (2)

Caroline Russell: Thank you for your response to my question 2020/1012 on the modernisation of pelican crossings. Given that pelican crossings are no longer approved in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), how are your prioritising their modernisation, and when will they all be replaced?

The Mayor: As set out in my earlier response, Transport for London (TfL) takes a risk-based approach to modernising its traffic infrastructure, prioritising locations that present the highest risk to the public. TfL’s risk criteria includes, but is not exclusive to, the age of the equipment, the obsolescence of the equipment, the critical failure rate and associated risk of the equipment to the general public. As of April this year, TfL has 847 pelican crossings within London, out of around 5,000 sets of traffic signals.
Crossings make up 55 per cent of the total number of sites being modernised, of which half are Pelican crossings. As such, replacing Pelican crossings is a high priority for TfL.
Given its current financial position and the ‘safe stop’ period during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, TfL has had to reassess the number of sites it can modernise this year. Initially it planned to upgrade 40 Pelican crossings this year, but has had to revise this to 22 upgrades. Replacing aging and higher risk infrastructure is key to Vision Zero, and TfL expects to replace a further 60 Pelican crossings in the next financial year to ensure the overall programme remains on track.

Silvertown Road Tunnel changes to contract due to coronavirus

Caroline Russell: The Crossrail project is reporting significant cost implications and schedule delays due to coronavirus and the need for ongoing physical distancing at their worksites. Future investments in London must also be reviewed so that they fit with the green recovery London needs. What discussions have Transport for London (TfL) had with RiverLinx about altering the contract or payments for the Silvertown Road Tunnel in response to these changes in circumstances and priorities?

The Mayor: As you would expect, Transport for London (TfL) is in regular discussions with Riverlinx about the impact of coronavirus on the Silvertown Tunnel project. These discussions are ongoing. As this is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract, the costs of construction are met by Riverlinx and TfL will not be making payments to Riverlinx until the Tunnel opens.
It is worth noting that the Silvertown Tunnel Project Agreement is not the same as the commercial arrangements with Crossrail, and TfL has transferred a significant proportion of construction risk to Riverlinx. That said, these are unprecedented events, and TfL will continue to work with its suppliers to ensure vital construction work can be progressed safely and efficiently.

Increased Public Transport Use

Alison Moore: Following the end of lockdown what proportion of the increase in patronage on the transport network has been made up of a) Freedom Pass, b) Oyster 60+ and c) Zipcard holders?

The Mayor: Since the end of lockdown, between 14 July and 8 September, Transport for London (TfL) has seen the following increases in patronage on the transport network:
The table below sets out the proportional increases in usage by passenger type since the end of lockdown on the transport network.
Passenger Type
% increase in bus use
Adult
74%
Freedom Pass
5%
60+ Oyster
3%
Zip card
18%
% increase in rail use
Adult
88%
Freedom Pass
3%
60+ Oyster
2%
Zip card
8%
% increase on all modes
Adult
83%
Freedom Pass
3%
60+ Oyster
2%
Zip card
11%

8 Albert Embankment redevelopment - September 2020

Andrew Dismore: Please provide an update on the redevelopment of the old Brigade headquarters at 8 Albert Embankment following the Secretary of State’s decision to call in the planning application

The Mayor: The Planning Inspectorate has appointed an inspector and the Public Inquiry has been confirmed as starting on Tuesday 1 December 2020. The Inquiry is expected to last eight days and will be held in virtual format to avoid any potential delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. London Fire Brigade’s development partner U+I is working with their legal representatives to ensure all processes requiredby the Inquiry are fully met.The outcome of the Inquiry is expected between March and May 2021.

Postal Voting

Tony Devenish: Over the summer you encouraged people to consider registering for postal votes for the Mayoral, GLA and other elections next year – regardless of any pre-existing conditions which might pose issues for some when voting in person. Are you aware of the work done by Democracy Volunteers, which suggests that encouraging a greater take-up of postal voting can actually lead to a higher proportion of ballots being rejected, and therefore a less accurate and reliable election result?

The Mayor: As I said in July, postal voting can be used to enable vulnerable Londoners to vote. South Korea’s success story shows how extending this in a pandemic can be effective and democratic.
The Democracy Volunteers report states that all electors whose postal votes are rejected when opened should be contacted by returning officers before polling day and reissued with a fresh postal vote. This is in line with research from the Electoral Commission which found that the overwhelming majority of electors find postal voting a convenient and secure method of voting. The Association of Electoral Administrators, Electoral Commission and Cabinet Office see postal voting as a key mechanism to deliver a successful election in the current public health context.
Instead of creating barriers to democratic participation, we should find mechanisms to safeguard our democracy in a pandemic and ensure all eligible Londoners have a say in their future and our great city.

Merging clinical commissioning groups in London (1)

Onkar Sahota: What impact on Londoners’ healthcare will the merging of CCGs to mirror ICS footprints have?

The Mayor: Covid-19 has enabled learning about functioning better as a single system. Joint working across the NHS, in partnership with social care, has been critical to the response. Single CCGs, with reduced focus on the commissioner-provider split, should enable reduced duplication in ways of working, allowing more time and money to be put into direct patient services with improved quality and consistency of local health and care services for Londoners. It should also enable quicker and more consistent reaction to the continuing pandemic and recovery.
I meet regularly with the NHS Regional Director who assures me that an individual borough focus will ensure the right services for local needs, managing key relationships at borough level, working closely with GPs, local authorities and local Healthwatch and voluntary sector organisations. The NHS is trying to strike the right balance between ICS-level strategic planning and decision-making, with strong clinical input and integrated care delivery at borough level, and smaller primary care networks directly offering closer local focus.

Reusable face masks

Leonie Cooper: Could you work with London’s fashion and textile industries to ensure all low-income Londoners have effective, reusable face masks?

The Mayor: I am a strong advocate for the use of face coverings in places where social distancing is not possible, and glad to see the Government has finally mandated their use in enclosed spaces.
My face coverings task and finish group continues to monitor the availability of affordable, reusable face coverings for low income groups. Our research has shown that these are widely available across a range of price points, ensuring accessibility for low-income groups.
Officers also held discussions with representatives of London’s fashion and textile industries and made links to small creative retailers to support distribution. They signposted supermarkets to the British Fashion Council Bags of Ethics project with the result that Waitrose and Sainsbury’s joined the project. These face coverings have been designed by leading British designers and the project aims to raise £1 million, with 100% of profits supporting health charities.

Social care recruitment (2)

Onkar Sahota: What involvement does City Hall have in social care recruitment plans, for instance through the adult education budget?

The Mayor: While City Hall is not directly involved in social care recruitment plans, I have, through the Adult Education Budget, introduced a number of flexibilities. These include fully funding any level 3 qualification lasting for up to a year for unemployed Londoners and those on low wages, which will support providers to deliver more social care qualifications and help Londoners access jobs in the sector.

Government’s Apprenticeship Hiring Bonus

Leonie Cooper: How will you be working with businesses of all sizes to encourage them to take advantage of the Government’s ‘apprenticeship hiring bonus’ of £2,000 to employers in England for each new apprentice they hire under age 25?

The Mayor: GLA officershave worked closely with government officials to increase awareness of the incentive by sharing information with relevant employer representative groups and through our networks.
My London Progression Collaboration (LPC) pilot programme is also actively promoting the incentive to employers across London.The LPC is supporting London’s businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities and its ‘Reskilling the Recovery’ campaign has complemented the Government’s incentive by raising £1.3m of unspent apprenticeship levy funds to support training costs at smaller firms.
In order to ensure that the incentive drives the desired employer behaviour in London, I have lobbied government to introduce regional weightings to reflect the higher cost of living, working and training in the capital and to extend the time that the incentive is available from 5 months to at least 12 months.

Government’s Kickstart Scheme (1)

Leonie Cooper: How will you be working with businesses of all sizes to encourage them to take advantage of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme?

The Mayor: I have recently established a working group with London Councils, sub-regional partnerships, the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus leads in London to coordinate employment support initiatives, including Kickstart. GLA officers are currently working with these partners to ensure Kickstart meets the needs of Londoners and to identify the role City Hall will play in the initiative.
I am particularly concerned that the Kickstart programme does not provide a London Living Wage for participants and I will be urging central government to ensure Kickstart wages reflect the high cost of living in London.
I am determined to work with partners to support Londoners into rewarding jobs with opportunities to train and progress, and I will be working closely with the capital’s employers, skills and training providers, unions and the voluntary and community sector to create and promote opportunities for Londoners, particularly those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Government’s Kickstart Scheme (2)

Leonie Cooper: How will you be working with businesses of all sizes to encourage them to offer training opportunities and use the Government’s Kickstart Scheme subsidy to offer young workers the London Living Wage?

The Mayor: My Good Work Standard sets the benchmark that I want every London employer to work towards and achieve. Skills and progression is one of the Good Work Standard’s four pillars, and a structured programme of learning and training, including apprenticeships, is key to its achievement.
Last year I established the London Progression Collaboration (LPC) in partnership with the Institute of Public Policy Research, to support London’s hospitality, retail and construction employers to create apprenticeship opportunities for Londoners. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, I have broadened the LPC’s remit to provide support to employers from all of London’s industries and advise on apprenticeship retention as well as recruitment.
Finally, I recently established a working group with stakeholders (Please see Mayor’s Question 2020/3015) to coordinate employment support initiatives, including Kickstart. However, I am particularly concerned that the Kickstart programme does not provide a London Living Wage for participants and I will be urging central government to ensure Kickstart wages reflect the high cost of living in London.

Covid-19 Economic Disproportionality in Relation to Under 18s Travel

Leonie Cooper: 78% of South Asian and Asian young Londoners were worried that their parents would struggle to make ends meet if they had to pay for transport (https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/publications/free-transport-means-everything-me-understanding-impact-suspension-free-travel-under-18s/?platform=hootsuite). Are BAME communities being disproportionately impacted by the Government’s requirement to remove the under 18s travel card?

The Mayor: It is abundantly clear that losing free travel would hit the poorest Londoners hardest at a time when family finances are stretched more than ever. Fifty-seven per cent of the under 18 population in London are BAME and as more families face financial stress from COVID-19, I am concerned that suspending free school travel would add additional burdens to low-income Londoners. We also know children and young people in some of the most deprived areas in London are exposed to the highest road danger risk.
Please also see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/3145.

Mayor’s Construction Academy (1)

Leonie Cooper: How are you evaluating the performance of the Mayor’s Construction Academy?

The Mayor: The performance of the Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) will be evaluated via an independent impact evaluation. The MCA team have procured ICF consultants to deliver both an interim evaluation, which was completed over the summer and will be published in the autumn. In addition, work on the final evaluation will begin later this year.

Mayor’s Construction Academy (2)

Leonie Cooper: The COVID-19 Housing Delivery Taskforce found that the work of the Mayor’s Construction Academy could be built on in order to secure a stable pipeline of workers. What role can the Mayor’s Construction Academy play in boosting the number of apprenticeships in the construction sector taking place in London?

The Mayor: The Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) hubs support partnership and collaboration between employers and training providers to provide local solutions to skills shortages. Hub Coordinators are working creatively to respond to COVID-19 as methods of delivering coordination need to adapt to new ways of working. For example, on 15 July, West London College MCA hub in partnership with the National Careers Service (London), delivered London’s first ‘virtual’ construction careers event, promoting jobs, apprenticeships and learning opportunities across the capital. #ConstructLondon was supported by more than 100 employers and partners and another event is planned for October 2020.

Mayor’s Construction Academy (3)

Leonie Cooper: The COVID-19 Housing Delivery Taskforce found that the work of the Mayor’s Construction Academy could be built on to secure a stable pipeline of workers. Would you consider conducting a cost benefit analysis, focusing on the number of individuals the scheme has already helped into employment, to make the case for further government investment?

The Mayor: The Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) hubs fund coordination activity rather than training provision. As such this means that there are no MCA-specific learners, as activity is funded by other existing funding streams such as Adult Education Budget, Apprenticeships or the Construction Skills Fund.
The MCA team have procured a final economic impact evaluation of the programme which will include a detailed cost benefit analysis, as well as an overall value for money assessment in line with Green Book guidelines.
The MCA provides a strong delivery model for enhancing partnership working and the model is being looked at in detail to support other growth sectors as part of wider recovery-type activity. Findings from the MCA evaluation will help to make the case for further funding.

Walk-in Test Centres

Leonie Cooper: How are you working through the London Transition Board to ensure walk-in test centres for COVID-19 do not become vectors for transmission of the virus?

The Mayor: I am pleased that accessible mobile and local testing units are being set up across London. DHSC have piloted the walk-in model in Newham and Brent and developed a standard operating model of delivery to minimise transmission of the virus. The walk-in centres go a long way towards making the test process easy and quick for Londoners. However, I am concerned about reports that people are being turned away from walk-in centres, or asked to wait days or travel large distances. I wrote to the Government outlining these concerns. Nothing is more vital than a fully functioning test, trace and isolate system if we are to prevent a second wave and save lives and our economy.
The PHE London Coronavirus Resource Centre is monitoring outbreaks and there are frequent data reports to monitor, tackle and, escalate the response to any outbreak. The London Regional Director of Public Health chairs the Evolution of the Outbreak sub-group which reports to the London Transition Board.

National Food Strategy

Leonie Cooper: What role can the first part of the National Food Strategy play in helping to eradicate food poverty in London?

The Mayor: I welcome the proposed actions in the recently published National Food Strategy, particularly those aiming to support children and families experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity is a symptom of broader poverty, and I am working to help all Londoners to access healthy, sustainable food, no matter where they live or their income.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity in London, and rising unemployment risks making this worse. I will continue to work on a wide range of policies to reduce poverty in London and shall continue to lobby Government to play their part by committing to long-term, permanent funding to protect children and families against poverty and food insecurity.
I hope that the strategy, when its second part is published early next year, will lead to the Government taking decisive action to help our food system work better for all.

Free School Travel in London

Alison Moore: Under their proposals for Temporary Suspension of Free Travel for 11-17-year olds the Government have changed the criteria for children in London. The main change is to remove free travel to school from families on low incomes. Have the Government explained why?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/3145.

Government Plans to Scrap U18s Free travel

Joanne McCartney: Can you provide an update on the government’s plans to scrap free travel for Under 18s in London?

The Mayor: Government has yet to make clear how the proposal to temporarily suspend free travel for Under 18s will be progressed. They maintain that scrapping free travel for 11-17 year olds is to help reduce demand for public transport at peak times during the pandemic despite Transport for London’s (TfL) modelling indicating this would only suppress demand by up to 5 to 6 per cent. Meanwhile, with free travel for children intact, data from the start of schools this month shows that TfL's innovative approach to school bus services and communications has had a significant impact - Zip card usage is down by a third.
Given the many concerns I have with the Government’s proposals, I have voiced my strong opposition to these plans several times. This will impact the poorest of Londoners at a time when they are already hardest hit and at a time when we should be doing everything we can to support young people’s growth and productivity, not restrain it. I also have concerns about the safeguarding risks for children who would be left without a means to travel to school safely.
It is unclear how Government intends for this to be fairly and consistently implemented across the nation’s capital made up of 33 local authorities where 10,000 children turn 11 every month. While I understand that there would be exemptions resulting in many children remaining eligible for free travel, the Government has yet to confirm if this would include children eligible for Free School Meals. It also remains unclear how the mammoth task and associated costs of determining eligibility and processing applications and appeals would happen, nor how assessments would continue on a regular basis to ensure all children who are eligible have uninterrupted access to free travel. I trust these and other questions will be fully addressed in the Government’s Equality Impacts Assessment for their scheme to scrap free travel for children when it is published.
In the meantime, I continue to urge the Government to drop this condition. It is also opposed by London Councils, many in the education sector and more than 168,585 people who have signed a public petition started by a young person making clear that ‘destroying free travel would hurt so many of us.’

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (2)

Andrew Dismore: What floor were firefighters using EDBA able to reach in the drills conducted in July 2020?

The Mayor: Firefighters operating under Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA) procedures were able to reach a simulated thirtieth floor using extant EDBA procedures. It should be noted that this was in a controlled environment without the conditions anticipated during an incident.

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (3)

Andrew Dismore: What consideration has been given to methods of lengthening the operational time of EDBA sets, such as adjusting the flow rate or using pure oxygen?

The Mayor: Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus cannot be extended further. The length of duration relates to the wearer and what tasks they are completing. A small trial was conducted with oxygen re-breather sets at the July 2020 Breathing Apparatus (BA) tests. It confirmed that travel distances and the duration of BA sets are limited by firefighter physiology and heat stress, rather than the amount of air available.

Crowdfund London 2020

Susan Hall: What is the total funding pot for this year’s Crowdfund London? How much of this fund has been spent to date? How much money remains in the fund? Has any of this funding been reallocated to other projects, and if so how much?

The Mayor: Of the total £1 million allocated, £323,500 has been contractually committed to 13 projects across London, £57,500 of which has been spent. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining £676,500 allocation has been offered as savings to help meet the budget pressures being faced across the GLA group.

Crowdfund London 2019

Susan Hall: How much of this £1m fund has been spent to date? How much money remains in the fund? Has any of this funding been reallocated to other projects, and if so how much?

The Mayor: Of the total £1m allocated, £323,500 has been contractually committed to 13 projects across London, £57,500 of which has been spent. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining £676,500 allocation has been offered as savings to help meet the budget pressures being faced across the GLA group.

Development Support Funding

Susan Hall: How much of this £1.5m fund has been spent to date? How much money remains in the fund? Has any of this funding been reallocated to other projects, and if so how much?

The Mayor: Of the £1.5m that was ring fenced for this fund, £1,424,450 was allocated by decision DD 2195 and £1,295,255 has been spent to date. As all projects have claimed their final amounts the Fund is now closed. There is £204,745 remaining from the original £1.5m. I have reallocated this funding to the COVID-19 Emergency Recovery Support Fund (ERSF), which accepted bids from colleges over the summer for costs associated with them making physical adjustments to the way they deliver learning.

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (1)

Andrew Dismore: What was the outcome of the EDBA drills conducted in July 2020 to test high rise firefighting capabilities?

The Mayor: The Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA) and Standard Duration Breathing Apparatus (SDBA) tests carried out in July 2020 were not scientific testing, and as such, can only be considered indicative of working durations when completing specific tasks. This will inform further controlled scientific testing. Indications suggest that EDBA can provide further travel distances than SDBA in high-rise buildings, but under controlled conditions. The tests also indicated that the primary limiting factor on travel distances is the physiology of firefighters when combined with equipment weight and tasks. This supports the conclusions of the 2004 Building Disaster Advisory Group (BDAG) report. As a result of these indications, London Fire Brigade is now investigating commissioning physiological testing with an academic institution to understand tolerances and control measures.

Causes of fires during lockdown

Andrew Dismore: Please set out the percentage and numerical change in the number of fires in domestic dwellings, comparing March to September 2020 with the corresponding period in 2019.

The Mayor: All dwelling fires for the period from 01 March to 09 September were as follows:
Year
Number of Incidents
2020
2653
2019
2760
There were, therefore, 107 fewer such incidents in 2020 than the corresponding period in 2019 which is 3.9 per cent less.

Congestion Charge

Alison Moore: Please provide details of the a) Camera Captures during Charging Hours and b) Confirmed Vehicles observed by month during Charging Hours since 22nd June. Please break down the figures to show i) figures for 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday; ii) 6pm to 10pm Monday to Friday; and iii) 7am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) monitors vehicles seen in the Congestion Charge Zone during charging hours as a whole. However, while camera captures can be reported by day, it is not possible to split the data further. The table below therefore shows total vehicles captured and total unique vehicles during charging hours on weekdays, Monday to Friday, and at weekends, Saturday and Sunday.
Congestion Charge Vehicle Captures
			22 June to 31 August 2020
(a) Camera detections during charging hours
(b) Confirmed vehicles during charging hours
Total detections
Average per day
Total unique vehicles
Average per day
Mon - Fri
			7am-10pm
22 to 30 June 2020
972,800
138,971
519,612
74,230
1 to 31 July 2020
3,387,020
147,262
1,803,173
78,399
1 to 31 August 2020
3,064,587
145,933
1,673,839
79,707
Sat - Sun
			7am -10pm
22 to 30 June 2020
180,565
90,283
103,575
51,788
1 to 31 July 2020
803,302
100,413
443,736
55,467
1 to 31 August 2020
1,029,132
102,913
567,028
56,703

Small Projects and Equipment Fund

Susan Hall: What is the total funding pot for this scheme? How much of this fund has been spent to date? How much money remains in the fund? Has any of this funding been reallocated to other projects, and if so how much?

The Mayor: The total funding pot is £8m across two funding rounds. The spend to date is just over £3m and there are still 45 projects in delivery. The programme is due to close in 2024. There is currently £175k of underspend from completed and withdrawn projects, which is being reallocated to projects from the approved reserve list of Small Projects and Equipment Fund projects

Culture at Risk Emergency Fund Update

Susan Hall: Further to my question 2020/1525, how much of the Culture at Risk Emergency Fund have you awarded so far? Please list the recipients of the funding.

The Mayor: My £2.3 million Culture at Risk Business Support Fund is providing emergency assistance to sustain cultural and creative venues most at risk of falling into administration, and who are often unable to benefit from Government schemes or funding from Arts Council England.
To date, £1.6 million has been distributed in grants to 97 independent cinemas and artist workspaces across London, supporting over 11,500 individuals. Recipients are listed on the London.gov website. An application process to award grants to grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues is underway and I will announce recipients of these funds later in September.
Additional specialist business support continues to be provided to creative businesses in all London boroughs through my Culture at Risk Office and the London Growth Hub.

Support for Londoners that are no longer shielding

Leonie Cooper: Following the Government’s advice that clinically extremely vulnerable individuals will no longer have to shield, the food and medicine packages that a number of shielded Londoners received stopped on the 1st August. How did the London Transition Board coordinate the work of your office, local authorities and national government to prepare people for this change and ensure nobody was put in danger by having this support suddenly removed?

The Mayor: Supporting vulnerable Londoners through COVID has been essential but complex, involving numerous partners from different sectors. This was overseen initially by the COVID Strategic Co-ordination Group, which has since evolved into the London Transition Management Group overseen by the London Transition Board chaired by myself and the MHCLG Secretary of State. London’s approach has built on the lessons learned from working in partnership during the early stages of the pandemic.
Every borough has developed Food Transition Plans forongoing arrangements for food support during the pandemic and through recovery. These plans build on the lessons from the emergency and are supported by the London Food Board.
Community pharmacists across London have played a key role in supporting the most vulnerable of our communities. Many already provided services for housebound people to ensure they received vital medicines. This service has grown over the period of shielding and has built on strong partnership working with local community groups, local authorities and others in local neighbourhoods.

Support for Londoners to Re-enter the Workforce

Leonie Cooper: Across the UK, almost 200,000 additional people aged over 50 were classified as economically inactive between March-May as compared to December-February. How are you supporting older Londoners who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19 to re-enter the workforce?

The Mayor: Supporting Londoners worst hit by the pandemic, including people aged over 50, into good jobs is a top priority for London’s recovery. I have introduced flexibility to allow Adult Education Budget (AEB) funded providers to spend more of their allocation on pre-employment support and job-focused training. This will allow providers to meet the specific needs of older Londoners to help them re-enter the workforce.
I have also introduced AEB flexibility to allow unemployed learners who have already achieved a first level 3 to take a subsequent level 3 qualification. This will enable many older Londoners to reskill and access employment opportunities. Through my European Social Fund ‘Sector Skills Programme’, I will be investing £6 million to enable unemployed Londoners to gain industry relevant skills and progress into employment.
I continue to lobby government to ensure London gets the funding it needs to help Londoners back into work, and that national employment programmes meet the needs of all groups, including older people.

Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (1)

Shaun Bailey: How are plans for the recruitment of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm progressing?

The Mayor: Our capital’s diversity is its greatest strength, yet our statues, road names and public spaces reflect a bygone era. We must celebrate the achievements and diversity of all in our city and commemorate those who have made London what it is – as well as discussingthe complicatedlegaciesof our public realm.
That is why, in June, I announced the new Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. We have made good progress so far. I have formed a Partners Board to support the Commission, including Historic England, Arts Council England, Black Cultural Archives,English Heritage, ActionSpaceand Shape Arts.We have consulted with borough leaders and set up a Borough Working Group and my team has responded to over 600 letters from Londoners about this topic. On 11 September, I launched an open call to recruit up to 15 independent members to the Commission.Applications will close on 5 October.

Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (2)

Shaun Bailey: What do you anticipate will be the financial cost for the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm and what budget has so far been set aside?

The Mayor: London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but many Londoners do not see themselves or their histories reflected in our public realm. The range of people immortalised in our statues, memorials and buildings do not capture who we are and what we represent.
The Commission, working with London boroughs and partners across the city, will take forward a programme of work to address this. It will make recommendations for new commissions, including of statues, memorials, blue plaques, commemorations, murals, street art, street names and more; provide an overview of existing public art and the public realm in London; and create best practice on commissioning works.
A budget is in development to support the Commission’s work, which will also be undertaken in partnership with boroughs, funders and other supporters. The GLA’s contribution will come from within the GLA’s existing allocation of the GLA Group budget and will be approved and published via a Mayoral Decision once confirmed.

Business Rate overhaul

Murad Qureshi: In your call for a business rate overhaul, do you favour the call by New West End for a turnover tax for on-line businesses?

The Mayor: It is critical Government takes the right action in the short and long term to support businesses in light of the challenges ahead. This is why, in the short term, I have called for an extension to the business rates holiday, which is due to end in March, guaranteed now. In the longer term, the Government must ensure that we have a system of business taxes - including business rates - that best supports economic growth.
Online sales taxes are one of the options that have been proposed (alongside other forms of local business taxation) to help offset the burden of Business Rates on business and on the high street. The GLA will set out its views on alternative and complementary business taxes in its answers to the Treasury’s Call for Evidence on the Fundamental Review of Business Rates, which closes on 31st October.

Rhodes Avenue Primary School

Peter Whittle: I note Haringey Borough Council are setting in hand the removal of the name of Rhodes from Rhodes Avenue Primary School - even though it was named after the philanthropist Thomas Rhodes, the great-uncle of Cecil Rhodes, the person who donated the land for the school, which today would cost tens of millions, who had no historical links to colonialism. Is this development a harbinger of the kind of decision-making we can expect from your Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm?

The Mayor: As Mayor of London, it’s not for me to decide which statues should or should not be removed or which names should be changed. It must be part of a wider conversation about the contested legacies and complicated histories of our public figures.
My teams have already been approached by partners and institutions who are clear they would welcome best practice guidance on how to take such discussions forward.
This is precisely why I have established the new Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. It has been welcomed by boroughs, many of whom have already nominated a lead Councillor or staff member to progress this issue.
It’s important to be clear that the Commission will take a leadership role and a collegiate approach. We can achieve this by working with our partners to help establish best practice and to progress an open debate about which legacies should be celebrated in our great city.

Merging clinical commissioning groups in London (2)

Onkar Sahota: What discussions has the London Health Board had on the merger of CCGs to mirror ICS footprints?

The Mayor: To date there have been no explicit discussions about the CCG mergers at the London Health Board.
I wrote to the Regional Director of NHS London last year about the proposed mergers and outlined my expectation that plans should demonstrate that the mergers will have a positive impact on health outcomes and the delivery of my Health Inequalities Strategy and that patients will remain at the heart of decision making. Future arrangements should at least maintain, and ideally strengthen, patient and public voice and influence over health and care service provision.

Coronavirus Second Wave [1]

Andrew Dismore: Have you assessed the likelihood and impact of a second wave of coronavirus infections on the Economy of London, not only on the arts and cultural sector, but also the culinary sector, education sector, and overall impact on jobs?

The Mayor: GLA Economics has developed and recently updated medium-term macroeconomic scenarios for London - informed by the recent Bank of England’s and OBR’s projections for the UK – to examine the impact on London if these national scenarios came true.
Under the central scenario – where some restrictions and social distancing measures remain in place until late in 2021 but a gradual return to economic growth prevails -, London’s economy would contract by 10.5% this year before returning to growth in 2021. In terms of output, the worst-hit sectors this year would be Accommodation and food services (-30.1%); Arts, entertainment and recreation (-25.3%), and Education (-24.7%). The fall in London employment is expected to be only 1.7% this year due to the Government’s current support to businesses but employment will contract further next year and its recovery is projected to be significantly slower than outputs. A more serious second wave (leading to reintroduction of stricter lockdown measures) would worsen these impacts.

Rollout of Coronavirus Vaccine in London

Andrew Dismore: Have you had discussions with the Government on how the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine (if and when it happens) will work?

The Mayor: An effective and operational vaccine will be crucial to getting our economy fully back up and running, and allowing Londoners to go back to doing the things they love. PHE’s ‘Beyond the numbers report’ also signals how important it will be to ensure that those at higher risk from COVID are immunised as soon as possible if and when a vaccine becomes available.
To date I have not yet had any conversations with Government about the roll out of the vaccine. I look forward to working with Government and regional partners including PHE, the NHS and Local Authorities to ensure that the rollout of any vaccine is a success and reaches all the Londoners it needs to.

Mayor's Construction Academy Funding

Susan Hall: How much funding has the Mayor’s Construction Academy received each year since May 2016?

The Mayor: The total lifetime budget for the Mayors Construction Academy (MCA) programme was £12.2m (£5m revenue and £7.2m capital). This has now been reduced to c£11.7m as unallocated funds relating to marketing and funding not allocated in the round two hub procurement, were returned to support London’s recovery in June 2020.
Since the MCA went live in 2018/19 it has defrayed £321k in 2018/19 and £2.254m in 2019/20. In 2020/21 spend of £2.764m is forecast, £5.740m in 2021/22 and £591k in 2022/23.

Mayor's Construction Academy Training

Susan Hall: Since the scheme’s launch, how many Londoners have received access to training through the Mayor’s Construction Academy and how many of those have gone on to get a job in this field as a direct result?

The Mayor: The Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) is designed to help more Londoners train in the skills they need to access construction industry vacancies across London. The MCA hub programme funds local coordination activity within partnerships of training providers, employers, local authorities and other organisations delivering in the sector to support Londoners to access learning and secure employment.
In the thirteen months of delivery reported to the end of Q4 2019/20, 6,830 Londoners completed construction training through hub partners and 1,329 started employment or an apprenticeship in the construction sector. The MCA team are currently undertaking a data reconciliation exercise with all hubs to capture any performance data that was not reported as a result of interruptions to delivery arising from COVID-19. This will be finalised this month and published as part of Q2 reporting process in October 2020.

Operational discretion training (2)

Andrew Dismore: It has been suggested that the operational discretion logs underplay the extent LFB officers are working outside LFB policies, attributed to cultural problems within the Brigade. In addition to training for officers, what steps is the Brigade taking to ensure officers feel supported to use their judgement?

The Mayor: The revised operational discretion policy is due to be published in November 2020 subject to formal consultation. The policy incorporates best practice by aligning with National Operational Guidance. The policy will be simplified to provide greater clarity on the safety critical steps required when exercising operational discretion. A key component of this policy will be the inclusion of a written declaration of support from the London Fire Commissioner to operational staff. This will help address the cultural issues identified and empower officers to make the right decisions knowing they have the Commissioner’s support.

Workforce Integration Network Funding

Susan Hall: How much funding has the Workforce Integration Network received from you for each year since May 2016?

The Mayor: The Workforce Integration Network (WIN) programme was launched in May 2018.
Across 2018/19 - 2019/20 WIN has been allocated a total budget of £330,000.
The WIN programme has recently been given approval for a total budget of £380,000 for 2020/21.

Workforce Integration Network Employment Opportunities

Susan Hall: How many young black men aged between 16 and 24 have found employment through the workforce integration network? Please give a breakdown by year and sector?

The Mayor: The Workforce Integration Network (WIN) was designed to address workplace inequalities and the impact this has on specific groups. The programme focuses on supporting systemic change within the tech and construction sectors - working with businesses to improve their policies and practices to be more inclusive and improving young Black men’s to access work by connecting them with employers, training and other opportunities. Over the last year the programme has engaged over 100 businesses on the specific issue of underrepresentation of young Black men in the workplace.
We delivered employability pilots earlier in the year and the next phase of WIN will include direct employability support for young Black men in our target sectors. We will monitor the number of young black men entering employment as a result of this intervention.
Over 1000 under-represented young people have engaged with the programme to date.

Workforce Integration Programme and Covid-19

Susan Hall: How is the workforce integration network responding to the jobs crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The job crisis caused by COVID-19 calls for a doubling of our efforts to prevent Londoners from BAME communities suffering deep economic hardship over the next few months.
Across City Hall the pandemic has required us to quickly adapt programmes to deliver in this new context. For WIN this has meant moving parts of the engagement online, particularly our engagement with young people. Our new employability programmes will be delivered virtually in parts, and we will continue to build relationships with growth sectors where there are likely to be new opportunities as a result of the pandemic and lockdown, such as the green infrastructure sector.
We will work with businesses across London, to look at their policies and practices to ‘build back better’, ensuring that the recovery is fairer as we move towards a city where all Londoners can thrive.

Healthcare priorities in Exercise Cygnus (2)

Onkar Sahota: What consultation with borough social care leads, ADASS, recognised trade unions, and other relevant bodies was done in the review of healthcare prioritisation in a pandemic following Exercise Cygnus?

The Mayor: I am not aware of the details of what consultation took place as part of the review of healthcare prioritisation.
I am advised by Public Health England (London region) that the responsibility for implementing recommendations from Exercise Cygnus lies with the Department of Health and Social Care.

Skills for Londoners Capital Fund (2)

Susan Hall: How many Londoners have been supported into apprenticeships or into to the highest levels of vocational and technical study as a direct result of has the Skills for Londoners Capital Fund since its creation? Please give a breakdown by year and sector.

The Mayor: My Skills for Londoners Capital Fund was created in 2017, since then 29 projects, 2 large projects and 27 smaller projects have completed. Projects report on their outputs in October, in line with the academic year. The programme only collects data on apprenticeship starts and not by sector. There have been 289 apprenticeship starts reported but this will increase as projects report on their figures after October.
2018/19
2019/20
Total
Apprenticeship starts
83
206
289

Training exercises during the covid-19 pandemic

Andrew Dismore: What steps is London Fire Brigade taking to enable face to face training at various levels to take place while covid-19 remains in general circulation?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) has a training recovery plan in place to ensure the delivery of essential risk critical training required to maintain operational capability. Training content has been changed to enable Covid-19 control measures to be implemented. LFB’s delegates maintain 2 metre social distancing wherever possible, and additional external venues have been secured to support this strategy. Face coverings and eye protection are being utilised where a distance of 2 metres or more cannot be maintained between delegates and trainers due to the course learning objectives. Reduced class sizes have also been implemented for some courses.
Hand sanitiser is provided at venues and antibacterial wipes provided in all rooms. In addition, signage has been placed at training venues promoting current Government guidelines on self-isolation, sanitation and social distancing.Training facilities are now subject to an increased cleaning regime including concentration on high touch areas such as door handles.

Trial running

Gareth Bacon: Is there an accurate date yet for when trial running for Crossrail will conclude? If not, when is this due?

The Mayor: In the latest letter to the Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee dated 1 September, Crossrail Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Wild, advised that it is planning to start Trial Running at the earliest opportunity in 2021. Following the start of Trial Running, it will then take a period of time to fully test the Elizabeth line before it can open for passenger service.
Further details on the progress being made towards achieving significant milestones, including progress towards the commencement of Trial Running, is regularly communicated in the update to the Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, which is issued on a monthly basis and published on the Crossrail website.

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (3)

Peter Whittle: Will the members of the Commission have the status of public appointees? ie on what terms?

The Mayor: On 11 September I launched an open recruitment process for members of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. Members will be appointed in line with the Protocol on Mayoral Appointments 2018, which sets out how my appointments comply with the Principles of Public Life and associated best practice. The Protocol also sets out the principles of recruitment. Appointments will be for an initial two year term.
Further detail can be found in the application pack on GLA recruitment site:
https://glarecruitment.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/W/1561/0/276321/14989/commission-for-diversity-in-the-public-realm-15-members

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (4)

Peter Whittle: How are the individuals who will comprise the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm be selected?

The Mayor: On 11 September I launched an open recruitment process for members of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.
The Commission is a partnership with London boroughs and partners across London. My community engagement teamand the Partners Board, which includes Arts Council England, Black Cultural Archives, Shape Arts and English Heritage, will also play a key role in making sure that a widerangeof people are encouraged to apply.
Members will be appointed under the Mayoral Appointment Protocol which governs the appointment of advisory boards and commissions to promote economic and social development, and also sets out the principles of recruitment.
The application pack can be found on the GLA recruitment site: https://glarecruitment.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/W/1561/0/276321/14989/commission-for-diversity-in-the-public-realm-15-members

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (5)

Peter Whittle: How do you intend to ensure a balanced body of opinion on the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm?

The Mayor: As Mayor of London it’s right that I convene the Commission, Councils and other stakeholders to work together to improve how Londoners feel they are represented in the public realm.
The Commission has been welcomed by the Boroughs, many of which have already nominated a lead councillor or officer to progress this issue. My Deputy Mayors, Justine Simons and Debbie Weekes-Bernard met with 11 Council Leaders on 3 September at which it was agreed to create a Borough Working Group.
I have set up a Partners Board to support the Commission’s work, including Arts Council England, Black Cultural Archives, English Heritage, ActionSpace and Shape Arts. My community engagement team will play a key role ensuring that a wide range of community groups are represented in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement, including for the diverse recruitment of Commission members. We have already received 600 letters from Londoners, showing the strength of engagement from the public.

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (6)

Peter Whittle: Does the Mayor believe that Londoners should be proud of the city’s great history?

The Mayor: I’m proud to be Mayor of the greatest city in the world, and one of the most diverse cities there is. But it is an uncomfortable truth that the wealth of our nation and cityare built in large part on the slave trade, and this is reflected in the figures we see in our public realm. At the same time, the contribution of many of our communities to life in our capital has been ignored.
This issue has captured the imagination of Londoners, and many of our Boroughs and institutions are leading their own discussions and debate about how to approach it. Our capital’s diversity is our greatest strength, yet our statues, road names and public spaces reflect a bygone era.We need tocelebrate the achievements and diversity of all in our city and commemorate those who have made London what it is – that includesdiscussingthe complicatedlegaciesof our public realm.

The Queen Victoria Memorial

Peter Whittle: At the top of Pall Mall stands Sir Thomas Brock’s Victoria Memorial which features a resplendent seated figure of the Queen Empress. Given that memorial’s overt celebration of the mother figure of the British Empire and imperial might, do you think it should be removed?

The Mayor: London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but many Londoners do not see themselves or their histories reflected in our public realm. This includes the fact that while our nation’s Victorian heritage is well represented in our public spaces, much of our contemporary life and culture is not.
However, as Mayor of London, it’s not for me to decide which statues should or should not be removed. There must be a wider conversation about the contested legacies and complicated histories of our public figures. That is why I have set up the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. It’s important that we bring people together and take the right steps to ensure that we celebrate the achievements and diversity of everyone in our city.

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (1)

Peter Whittle: Can the Mayor tell us what the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm will cost the public purse?

The Mayor: London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but many Londoners do not see themselves or their histories reflected in our public realm. The range of people immortalised in our statues, memorials and buildings do not capture who we are and what we represent.
The Commission, working with London boroughs and partners across the city, will take forward a programme of work to address this. It will make recommendations for new commissions, including of statues, memorials, blue plaques, commemorations, murals, street art, street names and more; provide an overview of existing public art and the public realm in London; and create best practice on commissioning works.
A budget is in development to support the Commission’s work. This will come from within the GLA’s existing allocation of the GLA Group budget and will be approved and published via a Mayoral Decision once confirmed.

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (2)

Peter Whittle: Will the members of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm be paid and if so, how much?

The Mayor: On 11 September, I launched an open recruitment process for members of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. Members will be appointed under the Mayoral Appointment Protocol which governs the appointment of advisory boards and commissions to promote economic and social development, and also sets out the principles of recruitment. Appointments will be for an initial two year term.
Commission Members will not be salaried. However, I am committed to creating an inclusive and representative board. Support will be considered to ensure that individuals working as independent practitioners or in small civil society organisations or charities whose capacity may be limited are able to participate.
Further detail can be found in the application pack on the GLA recruitment site: https://glarecruitment.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/W/1561/0/276321/14989/commission-for-diversity-in-the-public-realm-15-members

VRU Community Seed Funding

Susan Hall: Please can you provide an update on the future of VRU Community Seed Funding?

The Mayor: London’s community-led groups are showing the very best of our city by helping to support our most vulnerable communities during difficult times.
The VRU’s investment programme supports a range of community-led organisations, including a parents and carers network and a leadership programme for 100 community youth workers across the capital.
Building on the success of the Community Seed Fund, the contract of which is ending in September, the VRU has announced funding of £2.38 million to provide extra support for young Londoners returning to school who have been most disadvantaged by missing out on valuable education during the covid-19 pandemic.
Included in the package of investment is £1.38 million for community-led groups to support those young Londoners most in-need, providing them with skills, opportunities and support in the hours after school, which evidence shows is when they are most at risk of becoming involved or being a victim of violence.

Edgware Rd legible sign

Murad Qureshi: When can we expect the legible sign on the junction of Edgware Rd and Old Marylebone Rd coming back to the site?

The Mayor: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Not all Legible London signs are owned by Transport for London (TfL), and this particular sign is owned by Westminster City Council. I have asked TfL to share the location with the Council so that it can follow this up.

School bus services (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: Following TfL’s decision to introduce school only buses on specific bus routes please state what external funding TfL has received for these new services.

The Mayor: Transport for London has not received funding yet. It is able to claim funding of up to a maximum of £5,878,576 from the Department for Education, subject to the relevant criteria for the funding being satisfied.

Lisson Grove legible sign

Murad Qureshi: When can we expect the legible sign in front of the Seashell Restaurant coming back along Lisson Grove off junction with Shroton St, NW1?

The Mayor: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Not all Legible London signs are owned by Transport for London (TfL), and this particular sign is owned by Westminster City Council. I have asked TfL to share the location with the Council so that it can follow this up.

Huawei's removal from London's 5G mobile networks

Murad Qureshi: What will be the impact of the Government removing Huawei from the UK's 5G mobile networks, for broadband coverage in London particularly during the COVID19 crisis recovery?

The Mayor: My Connected London team are in regular contact with the industry in London, which has not raised any local concerns about coverage in relation to removal of Huawei infrastructure. The Government has launched a technical consultation to better understand the impacts to fixed line and mobile networks, which closes on 9 October. My team will work closely with government, industry and other stakeholders to ensure London remains connected, including through a specific digital access ‘mission’ as part of the GLA’s recovery work with partners.

Night Time Industries During Lockdown

Andrew Boff: What actions have been taken by the Night Czar to represent Night Time Industries during the lockdown?

The Mayor: Hospitality and culture, including the night time economy, have been hardest hit by lockdown. To gather intelligence on the impact on night time industries, the Night Czar has held eight virtual Night Surgeries withindustry bodies and businesses. After these meetings highlighted issues including difficulty accessing Government funding, she worked with and lobbied Government to raise these and other issues on five occasions, including holding two meetings with the Minister for London.
Evidence gathered by the Night Czar helped inform the design of my £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund. This is funding night time businesses such as music, LGBTQ+ venues and cinemas, supporting 97 organisations and more than 11,500 individuals to date. The Night Czar is also supporting individual cases through my expanded Culture at Risk office, which has received 140 night time cases since 1 April.
In addition, the Night Czar is working directly with local authority regulation teams, London Councils, the Met Police, TfL and businesses to lead a safe and co-ordinated approach to re-opening of hospitality.

NHS Covid-19 Tracker App Trial

Andrew Boff: Why do you think Newham was chosen to be a trial borough for the new NHS Covid-19 tracker app?

The Mayor: I have been clear since the first discussion of an app that it needs to be trialled in the capital. It is vital that the app is robustly tested to ensure it works for London’s population given its density and diversity. I am pleased that the Government is trialling the app in Newham, a borough whose residents have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due the health inequalities they face.
To support and encourage take up of the app, Newham Council has mobilised its innovative community networks, which were set up to deal with the Covid-19 crisis. I understand these pre-existing networks were one of the main reasons Newham was chosen to trial the new app. I was pleased to be able to visit a walk-in coronavirus test centre in East Ham on the 3 September to join the Mayor of Newham for #DownloadThursday to encourage people to sign up to the phone app.

TfL Land

Andrew Boff: Given that you no longer intend to meet your target for starting 10,000 homes on TfL land by 2021, when do you now expect to meet this target?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) remains fully committed to delivering its housing programme as soon as possible. This will provide 50 per cent affordable housing across its portfolio since May 2016, infrastructure improvements, and revenue that can be reinvested into the transport network. Work has already started on almost 1,500 homes. Applicationsare currently being consideredfor 4,500morehomes across 13 boroughs, and TfL will be submitting applications for a further 4,500 homes in the coming months.
TfL continues to work through the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on its housing programme. However, TfL has been clear that the ability to build these homes quickly is dependent on securing a fair and sustainable funding package from Government. Until TfL has certainty on its funding position, it will not be able to confirm a new target date for starts on its land. In the interim, TfL continues to engage with boroughs and communities to make sure it is ready to build the homes our city needs in a safe, responsible and transparent way.

Congestion Charge Income

Shaun Bailey: How much money has TfL received in income from the congestion charge each year?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) publishes details of income from all road user charging schemes in its Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, which is available on the TfL website at: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/annual-report.
For ease of reference, the table below shows net income from the Congestion Charge for all years since the scheme was introduced in February 2003.
Net income from road user charging schemes is spent on improving transport in London in line with my Transport Strategy.
Congestion Charge net income
			from 17 Feb 2003 to 31 Mar 2020
Year ending
£m
Year ending
£m
31-Mar-03
-58.3
31-Mar-12
136.8
31-Mar-04
45.3
31-Mar-13
132.1
31-Mar-05
96.4
31-Mar-14
149.2
31-Mar-06
106.3
31-Mar-15
172.5
31-Mar-07
89.1
31-Mar-16
168.3
31-Mar-08
137.0
31-Mar-17
163.9
31-Mar-09
148.5
31-Mar-18
155.9
31-Mar-10
158.1
31-Mar-19
146.7
31-Mar-11
173.5
31-Mar-20
162.1

Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (2)

Susan Hall: How and when will the Mayor report the work of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm?

The Mayor: On 11 September I launched recruitment for members for the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. Commissioners will be appointed for an initial period of two years. The Commission will be co-chaired by my Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE and my Deputy Mayor for my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard. I expect the Commission to hold its first meeting before the end of the year, where it will begin to agree its work plan and meeting schedule.
Meeting notes will be published regularly, and updates on the Commission’s work will be reported monthly in my Mayor’s Report and through press releases and events.

Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (3)

Susan Hall: How will the Mayor engage with local authorities and Londoners regarding the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm?

The Mayor: Addressing this important issue is up to everyone - partnership is essential.
As well as City Hall, boroughs across London, such as Hackney, Waltham Forest and Lambeth, are also addressing diversity in the public realm. City of London Corporation also launched their own extensive consultation earlier this month. The Commission has been welcomed by the boroughs, many of which have already nominated a lead Councillor or officer. My teams have consulted with Councils on the terms of reference for the Commission and on recruitment. My Deputy Mayors, Justine Simons and Debbie Weekes-Bernard met with 11 Council Leaders on 3 September at which it was agreed to create a Borough Working Group.
My community engagement team will ensure that a wide range of community groups are represented in stakeholder engagement, including for the diverse recruitment to the Commission itself. We have already received 600 letters from Londoners, showing the strength of direct engagement from the public.

Social care recruitment (1)

Onkar Sahota: How many social care workers have been recruited in London through the Proud to Care scheme?

The Mayor: The Proud to Care team has provided the following information: “2,455Londoners have applied to work in social care since April through the Proud to Care portal. Candidates are passed to local authorities and providers to work directly with individuals to match them to local vacancies. A further 278 people have applied directly to jobs posted on the Proud to Care site.”

Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm (1)

Susan Hall: When does the Mayor expect the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm to report?

The Mayor: On 11 September I launched recruitment for members for the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. Commissioners will be appointed for an initial period of two years. The Commission will be co-chaired by my Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE and my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard. I expect the Commission to hold its first meeting before the end of the year, where it will begin to agree its work plan and meeting schedule.
I expect the Commission to report regularly throughout its meeting cycle. Meeting notes will be published regularly, and updates on the Commission’s work will be reported monthly in my Mayor’s Report and through press releases and events.

Health and social care training (1)

Onkar Sahota: How many places on health and social care training courses have you funded through your adult education budget in each year of its operation?

The Mayor: GLA Adult Education Budget (AEB) programme data is published on a quarterly basis to the London Datastore, following national release of the Department for Education’s Further Education and Skills data publication.
The most recent data release contains information for the R10 delivery period August 2019 to April 2020 of the 2019-20 academic year. Data relating to Health and Social Care can be accessed in Table 2.6 Sector Subject Area, Volumes – London.
16,150 places on training courses in the health and social care subject area are reported to have been funded through the AEB. This provisional in-year figure will be updated in subsequent returns to present the final record of delivery in the 2019-20 academic year. For more information on provisional in-year data please see our AEB Data Publication Methodology Note (Section: “Issues with in-year data”).

Car park developments

Susan Hall: Will you consider abandoning the plans to build over station car parks at High Barnet, Cockfosters, Stanmore, Canons Park, Rayners Lane and Arnos Grove?

The Mayor: No. I have always been clear that my top housing priority as Mayor is to build more genuinely affordable homes, and the record shows my approach is working. Developing Transport for London’s (TfL) underutilised land offers a great opportunity to provide the genuinely affordable homes that Londoners desperately need, while also generating vital revenue to reinvest in the transport network. TfL continues to work with local communities and boroughs to build new homes on its land.

PPE supply chain improvements

Onkar Sahota: What changes have been made to PPE supply chains in London to ensure that there is no repeat of “staff in care homes or in home care settings … working without PPE and without knowledge as to whether either they, or their clients were infectious” as highlighted by the London Health Board’s review of the covid-19 response so far?

The Mayor: I understand that there is now much greater resilience in the PPE supply chain and good stocks of PPE across health and care following the establishment of a joint procurement arrangement across all London’s local authorities and the City of London. The boroughs are working in partnership with NHS and others through the London Transition Management Group with a focus on social care and primary care. Ged Curran, Chief Executive, London Borough of Merton is the lead officer on behalf of the partnership.

Health and social care training (2)

Onkar Sahota: How will your adult education budget support career progression as well as entry into social care?

The Mayor: As I stated in my answer to Mayor's Question 2020/3204, I have introduced a number of flexibilities through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) which can support recruitment and progression in the social care sector. As well as fully funding certain level 3 qualifications for Londoners in low pay, all AEB providers can now use up to 10% of their grant allocation to deliver discrete, compact blocks of training to support career progression.

Consistency of remuneration across health and social care

Onkar Sahota: The London Health Board’s vision in the context of covid-19 says that better workforce planning “is unlikely to happen (or be fair) unless there is consistency of remuneration across health and care settings.” What initiatives are underway to improve consistency of remuneration, for instance through a common commissioning framework for social care, based on UNISON’s ethical care standard?

The Mayor: The London Health and Care vision implementation plan is in development and will be considered at the London Health Board in October. The recently established London People Board is developing London-wide approaches to improve recruitment and retention and will build and add value to the work underway in NHS trusts and sub-regional partnerships. Jazz Bhogal, Assistant Director Communities and Skills represents the GLA on the NHS London People Board and I will ask her to raise this issue and to pass on details of the UNISON ethical care standard. However, in the absence of a clear national approach to social care and a fair funding settlement for London, ‘consistency of remuneration across health and care settings’ will be very challenging to implement for local partners, particularly in the care sector.

Deaths in care homes

Onkar Sahota: The London Health Board’s paper on covid-19 in London stated that 5% of care home residents in London had died of covid-19 by the end of May. What is the figure now? Please break this down by borough if possible

The Mayor: The latest published data indicates that there have been 2,045 deaths from Covid-19 among care home residents in London (over the period 28 December 2019 to 12 June 2020), which represents 5.8% of the care home population. The published data is not available at borough level.

Commissioning Fund

Susan Hall: How much of the £400k revenue funding has been spent to date? How much money remains in the fund? Has any of this funding been reallocated to other projects, and if so how much?

The Mayor: The Commissioning Fund is an historic fund from 2015-2017. All of the £400k revenue funding has been spent supporting projects in Bexley, Bromley, Hounslow, Kingston, Lambeth, Ealing, Hackney and Sutton. None of this funding was reallocated to other projects.

Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Disabled Londoners

Leonie Cooper: The United Nations Human Rights Committee has expressed concerns about the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities across the world (https://www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/campaigns-and-policy/act-now/the-devastating-impact-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-disabled-people/). How are you ensuring that the existing economic inequalities that disabled Londoners face are not exacerbated by Covid-19?

The Mayor: I know that disabled people experience significant inequalities in a number of areas critical to financial stability – from barriers to entering and progressing in the labour market through to disproportionate exposure to the underlying design and delivery flaws that plague the welfare benefit system.
Leaders from across London are collaborating on London’s recovery to tackle social and economic inequalities, especially those exacerbated by Covid-19, and will include issues experienced by Deaf and Disabled Londoners. In the meantime, my Employment Rights Hub offers inclusive information for workers on flexible working and protection from discrimination; my Good Work Standard supports and encourages employers to provide inclusive and flexible work and recruitment practices; and the GLA continues to improve employment outcomes for disabled people by match funding the devolved DWP London Work & Health Programme.

NHS Test and Trace app trial in Newham (3)

Onkar Sahota: How many people have been instructed to isolate in Newham by the NHS Test and Trace app?

The Mayor: My team has repeatedly asked the Government for the number of downloads but have not yet been provided with them. I understand that Newham have also not had sight of the figures showing the take up of the app, and how many users (if any) have been asked to self-isolate. It’s essential that the Government works with us and Newham to ensure that we learn the lessons we need quickly during this pilot phase.

Under 18s travel (1)

Jennette Arnold: Now that the Government has confirmed they want to scrap the under 18s travel concession at the Autumn half term, what are you doing to help mitigate against the impacts of this harmful decision?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/3145.

Smart London Funding

Susan Hall: How much has been spent on Smart London programmes to date and how much has been committed to future programmes? Please give a breakdown of programme and year.

The Mayor: The programmes initiated or overseen by the Chief Digital Officer for London as part of the Smarter London Together roadmap are funded within existing budgets; by specific GLA policy areas, notably Connected London and the Digital Talent Programme; support from the European Commission ending 2021; or by one-off collaborations with external partners.
The Smart London team directly supports the London Office of Technology & Innovation at London Councils £100k/annum from 2018-21. The Chief Digital Officer also commissioned a discovery for the new Datastore with the Open Data Institute (£50k) and support for work on cyber security (£50k) from CIU budgets in 2019. The Smart London team also manages the Sharing Cities Programme which draws on €24 million in EU funding to trial smart cities technology across six European cities.

Smarter London Together

Susan Hall: How many user-designed services have been created as part of your Smarter London Together Scheme and how much funding has been given to these services?

The Mayor: I am committed to creating user-designed services that meet the needs of Londoners. We use the Government Service Standard approach of identifying user need as a basis for developing services, and have undertaken service standard assessments of a number of GLA services. The results and recommendations of the assessments of GLA-OPS, Talk London, Accessible Housing, European Londoners advice and guidance, the Good Work Standard and Team London all can be found on LocalGov Digital. As of March 2020, all digital, data and technology services developed by the GLA will follow user-centred design principles as set out in the forthcoming Digital, Data and Technology Strategy and overseen by the GLA’s internal Digital Board.
Following a service assessment of the London Datastore in summer 2019, my Chief Digital Officer requested a discovery, undertaken by the Open Data Institute at a cost of £50k, to recommend improvements to the Datastore in a future rebuild of the platform. This work was supplemented by in-kind support from Bloomberg Associates, delivered by Public Digital, in 2020.
The Civic Innovation Challenge programme has also produced user-designed services as part of its core design and within existing budgets.

Mayor's Construction Academy Covid-19 Response

Susan Hall: How is the Mayor’s Construction Academy responding to the jobs crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) aims to improve the supply of skills construction workers required by the sector to ensure all Londoners can access the training and employment opportunities they need. During the COVID-19 crisis, MCA hub coordinators provided support to construction SMEs through the London Growth Hub as well as supporting furloughed apprentices, maintaining engagement with learners and responding to hub needs.
As the capital emerges from lockdown, hub coordinators are responding to the jobs crisis by reverting to their original core activity, focussing on maximising local partnerships and coordination activity between employers and construction skills training providers. This will help to ensure that forthcoming opportunities will be filled by suitably trained Londoners, including those from under-represented groups.

Healthy Start Vouchers Take-up in London

Leonie Cooper: What is the current uptake of Healthy Start Vouchers in London and can this be broken down by borough?

The Mayor: The latest regional data shows 41,330 eligible beneficiaries are claiming Healthy Start vouchers, out of a total 90,485 eligible beneficiaries, representing 45.7% uptake.
The following table provides a breakdown of the latest data by local authority. The data can also be accessed via the Healthy Start website (https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-uptake-data/):
Borough
Beneficiaries claiming vouchers
Beneficiaries eligible
Uptake
Barking and Dagenham
1644
3697
44%
Barnet
1360
3312
41%
Bexley
1078
2215
49%
Brent
1525
3576
43%
Bromley
1014
2262
45%
Camden
1006
1818
55%
City of London
3
17
18%
Croydon
1911
5069
38%
Ealing
1617
3627
45%
Enfield
2344
5220
45%
Greenwich
1949
3669
53%
Hackney
1714
3309
52%
Hammersmith and Fulham
670
1488
45%
Haringey
1340
2934
46%
Harrow
807
2081
39%
Havering
1038
2499
42%
Hillingdon
1361
2915
47%
Hounslow
1363
3149
43%
Islington
1451
2517
58%
Kensington and Chelsea
334
699
48%
Kingston upon Thames
505
1058
48%
Lambeth
1462
3215
45%
Lewisham
1805
3800
48%
Merton
702
1659
42%
Newham
1821
4331
42%
Redbridge
1122
3102
36%
Richmond upon Thames
400
876
46%
Southwark
1738
3610
48%
Sutton
651
1767
37%
Tower Hamlets
2210
4167
53%
Waltham Forest
1405
3118
45%
Wandsworth
1161
2270
51%
Westminster
819
1439
57%

NHS public engagement on reconfigurations

Onkar Sahota: The NHS in London has helpfully provided me with details of focus groups asking Londoners about new models of health service. But relatively small numbers were included. Will you consider offering NHS London the use of Talk London and other services to deepen their deliberative engagement with Londoners?

The Mayor: It is important that patients remain at the heart of decision making and that patient and public voice is well represented in service planning and provision. This is why patient and public engagement is one of my priorities for any healthcare reconfiguration or transformation proposals.
I’m pleased to see the engagement that NHS has been doing so far, including through the deliberative panel events they have convened.
I am happy to continue to support the NHS by sharing our learning, tools and best practice guidance to strengthen their engagement further.